NATURAL HANDMADE BEAD JEWELRY

Though usually thought of as being made of precious metals and gems, jewelry can in fact refer to any object used to adorn the body or clothing, and beads were probably the very first form of jewelry. Early humans handcrafted beads from natural materials found in their environment, most likely for utilitarian purposes such as fastening clothing.


Beads from archeological excavations were found to be handmade from wood, natural animal substances such as bone, claws, teeth, ivory and shell, and also soft stone. Later, in ancient Egyptian and Greek and Roman times, jewelers hand carved increasingly intricate and decorative beads, worn as belts and amulets. Beads then took on value as symbols of status and wealth. The practical use for the bead as a fastener was taken over by the clasp and later the button.




A reminder of the bead's original use survives today in the wood or horn toggles used as fastenings for the duffel coat, and the hardwood and ivory ones made for the Japanese kimono, some of which are works of art and collector's items. Bead sizes range from the palm-of-the-hand-sized decorative toggles to the so-called seed beads that can be smaller than a grain of rice. Shapes of natural beads can range from the typical smooth and rounded through cylindrical as in the natural shape of bamboo beads.

Wood has remained a popular material for making bead necklaces and bracelets, especially. The soothing feel and aroma of beads of natural wood such as teak, rosewood, bamboo and palm wood makes for an item that needs only a linen cord to produce a fine adornment. The vast choice of size, natural color and design means that there is something to suit everyone's taste.


Beads, seed beads included, can be embellished with other organic components, gemstones, pearls and mother-of-pearl, for example, in an array of unique designs. Inexpensive, lightweight and durable, it is no wonder then that beads have stood the test of time to become items of artistry to be worn and treasured.is still classed as fine silver.