The History of Beaded Jewellery
Beaded jewellery, also known as beadwork, is the art of creating ornaments by arranging beads, strings wires and other such materials to form pleasing designs and patterns. Beads exist in abundance in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, materials, colors and textures. There are different kinds of techniques and methods which can be followed to make beautiful pieces of beaded jewelry. Beads are also extensively used for making accessories such as bags, clothes and shoes. However, one must consider the fact that these small pellets are much more than mere decorative objects for building personal adornments. The ancient times signify that beads were used in making articles, however, the purpose of using them had a cultural significance and meaning. It would be surprising to know that the term “bead” has been derived from the Anglo-Saxon words “bidden” and “bede”, meaning the action of praying and prayer.
During that period, beads were made from naturally occurring materials like clay, shells, pebbles, teeth, claws, glass, porcelain, ivory, etc. Beads made with glass were regarded as more important and were largely associated with the Roman and Egyptian empires. These attractive objects were not only worn as jewels for inviting good fortune but, interestingly, they were also used for monetary and trading purposes. Though fancy accessories did not exist then, beads were attached to leather straps and worn around the neck. People with power and wealth possessed numerous handcrafted beaded jewels. It was only in the 1800s that mass production of beads began, until then bead craftsmen held it in confidence.
In certain cultures, beadwork has been associated with traditional importance. For the African communities, this type of jewellery did not serve the only purpose of colorful adornments. They made necklaces with beaded strings to indicate that a woman of their community is getting married. Men and women, both wore beaded necklaces in their day to day lives, however the necklace that signified marriage was made with a distinctive design. The strings were intertwined to reflect interconnection between husband and the wife. In addition to this, a wedding collar was also made which was encrusted with geometrically shaped beads and cowry shells. These creations represented the whole community being worn on the body of the couple, thereby, harmonizing not only the man and woman but their villages as well. In the African tribal traditions, bead makers and bead workers were two types of specialists responsible for making jewelry and garments.
Along with Africans, Indians too have acknowledged the significance of this ancient craft. The five thousand years old Indus Valley Civilization has witnessed beads made out of wood, ivory, clay, gold and silver. In Gujarat and Kashmir, artisans used to make beads with appealing designs and imaginative work. India is a home to some of the most popular beads such as meenakari beads, maruti beads, rudraksha beads, lac beads, tribal beads, etc. Hindu as well as Buddhist and Tibetan traditions use prayer beads sewn together with strings for religious and spiritual purposes. The number of beads in the string helps them in reciting and chanting the mantras.
In today’s time beaded jewellery has become the most influential accessory for women. Slender bugle beads, shiny crystal beads, faceted glass beads, beads with flat backs, cylindrical delica beads, hex-cut beads, rondelle beads, pointed chaton beads and seed beads are among the widely used beads in making ornaments now. The fashion trends in these recent years have been marked with vibrant beads in different sizes and unique shapes. Necklaces with multiple layers of beads seem very alluring. They cherish the feminine neck of a woman in an extraordinary way. Long necklaces with single beaded strings put forth a classy look. Apart from these multicolor beaded neck-pieces, the versatility of beaded necklaces and pendants with one or two colors considerably enlighten the outfits. Beaded bracelets and bangle stacks illuminate the wrists beautifully. Beads together with pearls form a pleasing combination. Anklets today are not only worn with traditional costumes but casuals as well. Beaded anklets with gentle pom poms have transformed the trend remarkably.
Mesmerizing beaded ornaments can be found in several shops and top brands. Blingstation is one such renowned online jewellery stores where one can shop for the latest and trendy designs beaded earrings, necklaces, necklace sets, pendants, bracelets, bangles, cuffs, rings, anklets and much more at affordable prices. It features beaded jewellery collections with some of the most popular designs. Every now and then it evolves with trendsetting masterpieces to keep its potential customers up-to-the-minute. It uses high quality glass beads with stunning textures to create handmade ornaments. Every piece of jewelry of this brand is notable for its perfect finishing as well as durability. In addition to beaded jewellery, the store is also well known for its vast silver jewellery, costume jewellery, fashion jewellery and metal jewellery collections.
