Jewelry-making: The History of Gemstone Beads
Gemstone Beads are a Gorgeous, Affordable Option for Jewelry-makers
Using gemstone beads to make jewelry is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the craft because of the beauty, color, and diverse patterns of beads. Gemstone beads can be color-matched or color-contrasted to complement an outfit, a woman’s skin tone, or even other pieces of jewelry. They are also affordable, as well as easy to work with – anyone, even a child, can make jewelry with gemstone beads.
From Nomads to Settled Communities
The history of gemstone beads can be traced to the Anatolian people of 18th century B.C. Once life in communities replaced a nomadic culture, the Anatolian people had the time and resources to use gemstones (and other materials, such as silver and even bones) to make jewelry, which was worn by both women and men and even placed in graves when loved ones died. Anatolia’s geographic location between Europe and Asia meant that it was subject to a variety of cultural influences, which contributed to a variety of jewelry designs and styles. Wearing jewelry that reflects a combination of cultural influences indicates a tacit tolerance and respect for other cultures that is reflected in many of today’s jewelry designs.
Like women and men today, the people of Anatolia selected necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings that enhanced their natural attractiveness. They also adorned their hair, noses, navels, and toes with metal jewelry (typically silver), often set with gemstone beads. And just like women and men today, Anatolians wore gemstone bead jewelry not only to accentuate beauty but to convey status, as protection (for example, by wearing jewelry featuring an “evil eye” to deflect harm), and in special ceremonies, such as weddings. Special pieces were worn from birth until death and passed down from generation to generation.
What are Gemstone Beads?
Gemstones are crystalline materials that can be cut and polished. Gemstone beads are made of materials which can be found worldwide; knowing the history of a particular gemstone bead can make the jewelry piece on which it is featured more meaningful to the wearer and, if given as a gift, to the giver. And certainly, for marketing purposes, it is a wonderful selling point when a jeweler is able to explain the histories of jewelry pieces to prospective buyers. The variance in gemstone beads due to the nature of the minerals from which they came only adds to the uniqueness of each piece of jewelry.
Gorgeous precious and semi-precious gemstone beads are available at wholesale prices, adding not only to the affordability of jewelry-making but to the ease of using creativity to combine materials and receive a new and different piece of jewelry every time. This means that using gemstone beads is an excellent option not only for beginning jewelry designers, but for advanced jewelry-makers wishing to expand their offerings and provide them with a meaningful historical context.
jewellery channel 21 months ago
gemstone beads are grogeous indeed...
good hub :)