SWCreations Jewelry Designs Stephanie A White

History of Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry
by SWCreations

You might feel that the history of handcrafted beaded jewelry cannot possibly be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite intriguing to learn where this part of culture began.  Some say that the beginnings of beaded jewelry began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and thought it was incredibly beautiful.  Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways.  One way is simply for beauty.  Another is for value.  Some would trade and buy with beaded jewelry or beads.  And some cultures even used them as talisman.  So how was beaded jewelry initially created?  Let’s take a look.

Although a man or a woman living in those times would not possibly have any practical use for them; however, they could not carry them around without modern day bags or carrying devices, nor did they have pockets.  So, as legend tells us, they attached the gemstones or beads to leather straps and wore them around their neck to create the first handcrafted beaded jewelry.  Over time, handcrafted beaded jewelry started to become a status symbol.  Those with power and wealth were the ones who had beaded jewelry.  Beads even have been used as an item of value for which trade could be made.

Handcrafted beaded jewelry has been made out of many types of beads.  Beads have been known to be made out of glass, bone, porcelain, shells, paper, clay, metals, gemstones, ivory, and even wood.    Bead craftsman often held the trade secrets in confidence.  They were expected to keep the bead-making skills a secret.  Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves.  Mass production of beads didn’t even begin until the 1800s when glass beading became widely available.  It was at this time that Swarovski created their process for making their special beads which are still in high demand today.  Even today, the secrets of how their beads are made are kept secret.

Different parts of the world created different types of handcrafted beaded jewelry.  Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork usually included a lot of turquoise and silver.  Bead making in France began as early as 38,000 BC!  Worry beads, Filigree, and highly decorated ceramic beads originated in Greece, while Italy specialized in the Murano glass beads.  There are dozens of other countries not yet discussed here, but beaded jewelry has a rich and vast history that is incredibly interesting.  Suffice it to say that there is a rich cultural tradition with wearing beaded jewelry.

Sapphire—A Gem Fit for Royalty
written for SWCreations by Lisa Vella

For centuries, sapphires have made their mark in the history of our world.  Understandably so—they are beautiful and unique gemstones that come in many different varieties.  In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers recognized sapphire for its wonderful qualities and named it as the official birthstone for the month of September.  It is the designated gem given for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries and if a couple is blessed enough to make it to their 65th anniversary, the unique star sapphire is often given.

The sapphire is actually a gemstone that belongs in the corundum family.  Corundum is a pure aluminum oxide mineral which is crystallized from extreme heat and pressure.  Since ancient times, Sri Lanka has been one of the largest producers of high quality sapphires, but it can be found on all continents including Burma (modern day Myanmar), South Africa, Canada, and the US.

The US has been mining sapphire since they were discovered in the gravels of the Missouri River in Lewis and Clark County, Montana in 1865.  Many other sources were soon to be discovered in Montana, followed by a discovery from the Cowee Valley in Macon County, North Carolina in 1895.

People in the US continue to mine them today, but mostly as more of a hobbyist venture than a serious business.  Tourists in North Carolina will often pay a fee to purchase buckets of gravel or to dig in designated areas in the hopes of finding sapphire or other precious gems.

The most popular color for sapphire is deep royal blue, but they can actually be found in almost all colors including pink, white, green, yellow, orange, purple, brown and even colorless.  Here are just a few different varieties:

·Bi-colored Sapphire – a sapphire with more than one color

·Cat’s Eye Sapphire – a sapphire exhibiting a “cat’s eye effect” where there is a thin band of light down the center of the stone.

·Color Changing Sapphire – a rare sapphire that exhibits different colors in different light.  In natural light the sapphire is blue, but changes to violet in artificial light.

·Fancy Sapphire – any sapphire other than blue

·Padparadschah – the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire

·Verneuil Sapphire – a synthetic sapphire – grown in a laboratory

Historically, there have been many cases in which sapphires have made their appearance.  The Stuart Sapphire, which dates back to 1214, passed through the hands of many kings and eventually ended up adorning Queen Victoria’s State Crown.  In time it was replaced by another gem, and is now on display as part of the British Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London.

Another famous account occurred when the Russian Emperor Alexander II purchased a sapphire weighing 260.37 carats for his wife, the Empress Maria Alexandrovna.  This stone is now owned by the State Diamond Fund of the Russian Federation, where it is proudly shown at their museum in Gokhran, Russia.

Sapphire hasn’t been absent in modern times either.  Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford and Jean Harlowe all had sapphire engagement rings.  Perhaps the most famous account in today’s time occurred when Prince Charles gave Princess Diana an 18 carat engagement ring surrounded by 14 diamonds in an elegant cluster setting.

As with all gemstones that have been around since nearly the beginning of time, sapphire has its own folklore and legends associated with it.  It’s easy to understand why so many choose it for an engagement ring because it is associated with fidelity, compatibility, and mutual understanding.  Some of its powers are thought to include spiritual enlightenment, and the ability to heal rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. When gazing into a cool blue stone, one can easily understand how it brings peace of mind and serenity to its owner, while promoting a life of truth and sincerity.  The sapphire is truly a royal beauty.

Mosaic Blue Turquoise Crystal Beaded Necklace
Gorgeous 18 inch beaded necklace created with mosaic blue turquoise dyed howlite gemstones beads, pacific opal blue Swarvoski Austrian crystals, Bali .925 silver, sterling silver ‘I Love You’ toggle clasp, and sterling silver.
Beaded Necklace (N12) – $94.00
Beaded Bracelet (G11) – $36.00
Beaded Earrings (ERG143) – $19.00

Mosaic Turquoise Crystal Beaded Necklace
Gorgeous 18 inch beaded necklace created with mosaic turquoise dyed howlite gemstones beads, cantaloupe Swarvoski Austrian crystals, Bali .925 silver, sterling silver toggle clasp, and sterling silver.
Beaded Necklace (N09) – $89.00
Beaded Bracelet (G09) – $36.00
Beaded Earrings (ERG140) – $19.00