A Brief History of Gemstone Beads
If you think only precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum and diamond can only add the luxurious touch to your attire, you’re missing out on something worth considering – gemstone beads. Gemstone beads have been there since the primitive civilizations and are fashion favorite even in the modern times. Whatever style you choose, gemstone beads can complete the look with a dash of colour, an eye catching texture or a dramatic flair.
When and where it all started
Beads are believed to be the first items of jewelry that the human civilization used to decorate their bodies. The reason behind this is the need to adorn ourselves and make ourselves feel special, which humans have always had since a long time. And this need wasn’t in the minds of just women, but men as well. Let’s talk about when and where it all started.
Maybe wearing jewelry is in the human DNA
According to historians and archaeologists, jewelry has been worn by human civilization since the primitive era. It’s fascinating to know that jewelry is essential to human nature and it feels like it’s in our DNA to wear jewelry.
Gemstone beads in ancient times
The Neolithic Era (10,200 BCE – 3000 BCE) saw a significant advancement in the tools used and bead making skills of humans. Humans in the ancient times used to shape beads using an early form of bruting, that is, rubbing the bead against a harder mineral. After bruting, beads were pecked from both sides using stone tools to make holes. Beads made from gemstones were greater in value because of their beauty. As the market grew for more beautiful gemstone beads, bead makers developed better tools, honed their skills, and rapidly advanced their art.
Oldest shell beads on record
Es Skhul is a city in Israel where, in the 1930s and 1940s, British archaeologists found perforated shell beads that were between 100,000 and 135,000 years old. Earlier than this, the oldest shell beads on record were 35,000 to 40,000 years old. This proves that human civilization’s love for jewellery stretches back to 135,000 years old, and who knows if one day we find beads that are even older.
Gemstone bead designs are more popular than ever. Here at “The Jewel Creation” we have beads for jewelry making as well as a wide range of pearls that pair beautiful gemstone beads make perfect accents for elegant styles. No matter whether you’re a novice at jewelry making or an expert, gemstones are those glittering additions that can glisten up just about any plain piece of jewelry you have in your wardrobe. Topping your jewels with beads is a great way to bead-dazzle your attire.
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