Bead Necklaces

Since seemingly our first moments on earth, the human species has been drawn to strands of beads. Our ancestors began creating beads out of the organic materials in their environment and strung them together as a sign of status and also as a signifier of celebration.

Many of these prehistoric peoples were, for instance, buried wearing strands of beads, which served in some cultures as a means of honoring the deceased and, in others, as a method to ward off negative forces in the afterlife. As artisans advanced in skill and new technologies were discovered, new materials were transformed into beads to be worn in single to multiple strands.

By the days of ancient Egypt and Rome, gold beads and beads inset with precious stones and pearls had become commonplace among the most elite members of society. Today, these marvelous beaded pieces can be equally as elegant or can be more cost effective. Regardless of the price tag, however, just putting on a strand of beads can be enough to pull your outfit together and make your day.

Quick Facts

• The oldest recorded beads date to 82,000 years ago. Discovered in a cave in eastern Morocco, the thirteen recovered beads were made out of pierced shells and bore traces of pigment, suggesting they might have been painted or decorated
• Beads have also been used in past cultures as a means of currency for trade or bartering. Christopher Columbus took beads with him to the New World in hopes he could use them to acquire any needs along the course of his journey
• The record for the longest bead necklace or strand was established in 2014 in Birmingham, England. Guinness World Records reports that it measured just less than 6 miles long and took four days to string