The Magic Of Glass Beads

This history of beads reflects the cultures and lifestyles of lost civilizations and today, beads are still a significant part of the traditions in many countries around the world. In the Middle East, they are often used as talismans; this is true in various parts of Africa as well, where they are also worn as proud signs of social status and personal achievement. In North America, the native Indians used beads as a form of communication and as currency. With the discovery of glass, there was a worldwide shift of interest from jewellery made out of natural materials such as seeds, bone, teeth, shells and semi precious stones to the new compound which could make "pearls" in the widest variety of hues.