The Fascinating History of Beads in Beaded Jewelry
Beads have long been one of the mainstays of beaded jewelry and for good reason. Natural gemstone beads are attractive, versatile, and easy to wear, which has made them attractive to jewelers and consumers alike across the world for thousands of years. However, not all beads are created equal, and neither are the uses to which they’ve been put by different cultures in different eras. In order to give you a better understanding of how to incorporate beads into your beaded jewelry designs, here’s a brief history of beads in beaded jewelry throughout different times and cultures around the world. A Brief History Throughout the history of humankind, beads have been used as a means for personal adornment and spiritual expression. In addition, they believed that beading was a sacred ritual. Furthermore, the ancient Egyptians used beads to symbolize life’s passage from death to rebirth. To signify this, mourners would wear black bead necklaces with red gemstone scarabs. In ancient China, it