You see it displayed almost everywhere. Beaded handmade jewelry can be found in numerous stores as well as in displays at craft shows. This unique art form has been around for centuries and is likely to last for centuries to come. The vast majority of stones used are found all over the world in different forms.
When these stones were first discovered, man was astounded with their beauty. Ancient history tells us that despite their beauty, man had little practical use for these gems. They attached them to leather straps and were worn as adornments around the neck. Before long they were being used in bracelets, earrings, and in numerous ways to compliment the clothing they wore. Owning such items branded one as being wealthy.
Mother Nature spewed forth and endless supply of these stones in many different elemental forms. In their bond with nature they were found to be made of bone, shells, clay, gemstone, glass, and ivory. In latter times, man found ways to from beads made entirely of paper. Mankind had found an attraction that it immediately fell in love with and that romance continues to today. With added embellishments to each stone, they became even more precious.
If one were to delve into the history of many of these stones, it would be found that many had a specific meaning. Native American Indians, in particular, were a people that gave these stones specific meaning. Their use of turquoise was meant to mean at one with nature, while jade symbolized good or precious. Beads were used to adorn every part of their lives from their clothing to the tepees they lived in. Topaz was said to protect the holy city city of Jerusalem from invaders.
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of this craft is the fact that no two pieces are ever exactly alike. They are not machine made but produced by the hand of man therefore allowing for the imago imagination to take over in the manufacture of this art. Using these stones in their natural state allows for immeasurable design forms.
There are very few that are not attracted to the items produced using this form of art. It fits in everywhere from the most elegant dinner party, to the Monday brunch. Once signifying wealth, beaded jewelry is now worn by every person in the world in one manner or another. Prices are dependent on the kind of stones used and the value they hold.
Diamonds may be a girls best friend but it is one stone seldom used in beading. As exquisite as the diamond stone is, natural beads are found to be just as attractive and sought after. Their beauty lies in the fact that they are a one of a kind design regardless of how they are made.
If beading is an art form that holds interest to you, learning the art is quite possible. It will take diligence in practice to produce items that are well done and worn with pride. For some, it becomes a full time practice and making beaded handmade jewelry can soon become a business rather than a past time.
When these stones were first discovered, man was astounded with their beauty. Ancient history tells us that despite their beauty, man had little practical use for these gems. They attached them to leather straps and were worn as adornments around the neck. Before long they were being used in bracelets, earrings, and in numerous ways to compliment the clothing they wore. Owning such items branded one as being wealthy.
Mother Nature spewed forth and endless supply of these stones in many different elemental forms. In their bond with nature they were found to be made of bone, shells, clay, gemstone, glass, and ivory. In latter times, man found ways to from beads made entirely of paper. Mankind had found an attraction that it immediately fell in love with and that romance continues to today. With added embellishments to each stone, they became even more precious.
If one were to delve into the history of many of these stones, it would be found that many had a specific meaning. Native American Indians, in particular, were a people that gave these stones specific meaning. Their use of turquoise was meant to mean at one with nature, while jade symbolized good or precious. Beads were used to adorn every part of their lives from their clothing to the tepees they lived in. Topaz was said to protect the holy city city of Jerusalem from invaders.
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of this craft is the fact that no two pieces are ever exactly alike. They are not machine made but produced by the hand of man therefore allowing for the imago imagination to take over in the manufacture of this art. Using these stones in their natural state allows for immeasurable design forms.
There are very few that are not attracted to the items produced using this form of art. It fits in everywhere from the most elegant dinner party, to the Monday brunch. Once signifying wealth, beaded jewelry is now worn by every person in the world in one manner or another. Prices are dependent on the kind of stones used and the value they hold.
Diamonds may be a girls best friend but it is one stone seldom used in beading. As exquisite as the diamond stone is, natural beads are found to be just as attractive and sought after. Their beauty lies in the fact that they are a one of a kind design regardless of how they are made.
If beading is an art form that holds interest to you, learning the art is quite possible. It will take diligence in practice to produce items that are well done and worn with pride. For some, it becomes a full time practice and making beaded handmade jewelry can soon become a business rather than a past time.
No comments:
Post a Comment