It is difficult to tell old glass beads and antique glass beads apart. Antique glass beads are glass beads which are over 100 years old, whereas old glass beads are just “old” beads. For you to be able to tell which is which, you require to know a thing or two about glass beads. Here is a short crash course on how you can differentiate the two.

Materials

In ancient times, glass beads were made of natural minerals. Antique glass beads today are still made from these materials. Examples of these materials include rock crystals, faience, jade, garnets, opals and ambers

Many glass beads are made to imitate these materials and other man-made materials like plastics. Some are old, but not all are antique.

The combination of materials will also give you an idea of whether the beads are antique or not. For instance, antique Czech glass beads were often joined together using a brass connector, whereas newer Czech glass beads are not.

Eras And Techniques of Antique Beads

This history of glass beads is divided into several different eras, with each era characterized with its own distinctive technique and designs.

In the three major glass making eras different techniques were used to produce different kinds of glass beads. Knowing what types of glass beads were produced during what era and the type of design and technique used to manufacture the beads during that era, you will be able to tell if a glass bead is antique or a cheap knock-off.

Two of the most ancient techniques used in bead making are the winding method and the drawn glass methods.

With these things in mind, you can tell the difference between antique glass beads and old glass beads.

Antique chevron beads which are in very high demand. An example of an antique chevron bead is shown below.

These beads come in different shapes and color, but they are similar in their make, their size and their style. A standard antique chevron bead measures about an inch in length and about half an inch in width. Below is a bead besides a ruler for comparison purposes.

People buy these beads for several reasons. The main reason is that women buy them as an accessory. These beads go well with most clothes and they can be worn in formal gatherings and in an informal setting. Chevron beads, even antique ones, are cheaper compared to other jewelry such as gold or diamonds and they are just as stylish.

Some people buy antique chevron beads as a collector’s item. Antique beads, just like other antique pieces of art, are rare and there is a thriving trade of beads as collector’s items. Some people collect them so that they can cash in when the price rises later on, some collect them for sentimental reasons, and some collect them as a hobby.

People buy these beads as gifts to their loved ones. Beads make great gifts and they are advantageous in that they can be used for anniversaries, for weddings, for birthdays, and for several other occasions. However, you should ask about the person’s preference before buying because they come in different shapes and colors – what suits one person may not suit the next.

Antique padre beads such as the ones shown below are popular. They are popular not just because they are antique, but because they are still stylish and because they are in high demand.

These beads are usually turquoise-blue and below, you can see just how big each bead is. However, they come in different shapes and sizes, depending on where they were made and when they were made. Below is a set of the beads besides a ruler for comparison purposes.

The name ‘padre’ in these beads was appropriated by African bead sellers and collectors of these beads and the name was wrongly pasted onto all opaque turquoise-blue glass beads, including glass beads that may be Chinese, Venetian, or Czech.

However, the name was originally used for beads that were given by Franciscans to Native Americans in exchange for good work and conversion to Christianity.

Today, padre beads are antiques since none are being made and as such, they fetch a lot of money in the market. They are bought by people for sentimental reasons, they are bought as collector items, and they are bought for decorative purposes by women and girls.

When buying the padre beads, you should consider whether the beads are genuine. You should consider asking for a valuation from a professional before making a purchase. You should buy the antique padre beads from a credible and reliable source, especially when buying online, you should look at the quality of individual beads, and you should make sure you do not pay more than you should.

A recession shouldn’t mean a girl has to go without her accessories. Keep yourself looking fabulous and make your jewelery at home. There are all sorts of beads and charms you can use, but for a really great look, I recommend using antique african beads.

Necklaces, pendants and bracelets make beautiful personal items, as well as presents for friends and family. Practice makes perfect, granted, but the process is simpler than you may think. The market for this particular style of jewelery has great potential, if you’re looking for a way to boost your income. Jewelry made with antique african beads is usually hard to find, which is why there is such a nice niche for this market.

Antique beaded jewelery can carry as much impact as precious metals when presented properly. The style also suits all age ranges, and if you have children, making jewelery can be a fun activity for the entire family.

Before creating your piece, take the time to get inspired and informed. The best way to start your search is to look for images online. Use the available resources to research the origins, use and meanings of antique beads. Beads can be produced in a number of ways, and different beads belong to different African tribes. Don’t mix and match beads, instead, choose one particular theme, and source out suppliers for that particular bead type.

Again, the internet will provide a helpful list of suppliers. Good stores will be able to provide specific information and assistance on your purchase. Some antique beads will be more expensive than others, so it’s probably best to set a budget before you start spending on unnecessary extra beads.

Remember, heavier beads will require a more resilient material than cotton for thread. Thin leather is a good substitute. Make sure your clasp matches the strength of your thread; otherwise this will act as the weakest point in your chain. Your necklace looks better on you, and not in pieces all over the floor.

Have fun making your new favorite accessory using African antique beads!

People often ask us how to clean and maintain their antique beads and trade beads. Because antique beads can often be as old as several hundreds of years old, collectors must be very careful and precise in the way that they clean them, especially with african beads, which may have a layer of dirt or dust causing a matte finish.

Here are some basic instructions on how to clean your old beads:

1. Do not take the beads off the string. You can clean them quicker this way, and besides, it’s nice to preserve them in their original form.
2. Fill a tub or bucket with hot water. Add a little bit of soap and stir.
3. Place the strand of antique beads in the tub, and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Grab a soft cloth and rub the beads to get the dirt off.
5. Take the strand out, and flush it with warm water in the sink.
6. Use a soft washcloth to dry the antique beads off.

That’s all – you’re done! Some people also like to rub mineral oil on the beads afterwards, but this can often take away the beads’ antique look. Mineral oil makes old beads shiny and new, so use at your own discretion.

Beads from Africa are made in all four corners of the world, especially old and antique african beads. Millefiori trade beads were made in Venice, Italy. Annular wound dogon beads were made in Germany. And Russian blue beads were made in the Czech Republic.

But perhaps the most fascinating ancient beads are those recently found in Africa. National Geographic recently wrote an article about the oldest beads known to man: 41 shell beads, used as jewelry over 75,000 years ago!

Humans may have been wearing jewelry as far back as 75,000 years ago, about 30,000 years earlier than previously thought, if 41 shells found at Blombos Cave in South Africa prove to have been used as beads.

Read the full article here.

Although this 75,000 year old ancient african beads are not available for purchase today, you can certainly find a great selection of antique african beads for sale at The Bead Chest!

Hi everyone, and welcome to our new blog! This blog will be ENTIRELY devoted to antique beads, old beads, and vintage beads. We will write about everything that has to do with antique beads, including their history, different types, where to buy them, and ongoing internet sales for Antique Beads. We hope you enjoy this blog, and if you would like to contribute your own article on old beads, or showcase your homemade jewelry using antique beads, please write to us..we’d love to hear from you