Beads?A Sign of the Times?

When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads-beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.

The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word "beads" may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you're a product of the 50's, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you're a product of the 60's, you may think of "love beads," which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it's difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.

From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications

Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can't actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.

Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.

In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.

Modern Beads

Now that we've strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today's jewelry scene? They're everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.

Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins-yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you'll find beads everywhere.

The Many Faces of Beads

Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today's beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today's look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.

The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn't want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you're auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.

Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It's everywhere, and it's calling your name.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for beads and jewelry in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

---

Body Language

Body language is fascinating. People rarely recognize how much information they give off and how noticeable it is to the human eye. Even to the untrained human... Read More

The Joy Of Living In The Zone

What do people want most in the world? What is the most sought-after goal? From the moment we awaken to the moment we close our eyes at... Read More

Avoid a Life of Regrets With Your Yes List

How many times have you told yourself "yes!" today? Not enough I bet. Yes is the most powerful word in the English language.Unfortunately, too many times we... Read More

Create Your Own Luck

I find it particularly disheartening when I hear someone refer to a person's success and achievements as simply luck. Or even worse... dumb luck.The word luck implies... Read More

Harvest Moon Lessons

The full moon in September is often bigger and brighter than full moons in other months. It is usually referred to as the Harvest Moon. The reason... Read More

To Be More Attractive? Zap The Tolerations!

Imagine there is an event that will take place in a town many miles from where you live. Your car needs an oil change. But, your... Read More

Clarity of Vision

Imagine trying to drive at night in your car with windows covered in Vaseline - or try walking around for a day with prescription glasses that aren't... Read More

3 Steps to Manifesting Your Ideal Life

Over the past several weeks I've received dozens of email solicitations for books, CDs and videos that promise to reveal newly discovered techniques to improve my life.... Read More

The Law of Attraction - Make it Work For You

The Law of Attraction responds to whatever vibration you are sending out into the Universe. You will receive more of what you are vibrating whether it is... Read More

Manifesting Money

You are a money magnet. Money is flowing to you twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays. You're probably wondering, "Then where... Read More

The Mind - What An Amazing Universe

You are what you think;The experts say we barely use 10% of our minds. I wouldn't be so sure about that or very proud of it either.... Read More

Is Effortless Prosperity Really Possible?

Dear friends,Whenever I read the words "effortless prosperity" a chain reaction of thoughts immediately starts in my mind. I ask myself these questions.How is that possible? Does... Read More

Freedom of Choice -- Learning to Make the Right Choices

Recognizing your gift of choice is liberating. This means acknowledging that you are where you are because of your choices. This is the first step toward changing... Read More

Complete Self Acceptance

One of the most important parts of Personal Mastery is 'Self Acceptance'. This is much more than the usual 'self esteem' issues that we hear about, although... Read More

Electrical Deficiencies

Our feelings are perceived by means of our sensors, our sensors are designed to detect conductors of energy that have the power to stir our feelings.It is... Read More

7 Tips to Make a Fantastic Impression on People Who Count

Making a fabulous impression on people opens doors for your business, personal, and career endeavors. People like charming people who make them feel comfortable. So, making a... Read More

Pretending Your Life As You Want It - True Power Series

This is the sixth article in our "True Power" series. If you haven't been following the series, visit The ARTrepreneur to read the foundational material on beliefs... Read More

Establishing Your Charisma Presence

An integral piece of charisma is establishing a presence, so let's examine 3 ways to establish your charisma presence, that will clearly tell all around you "I'm... Read More

Our Fascination with Pop Culture and What It Says About Us

I took a look at the top 500 hits on the Internet and found that at least 90% of them are related to pop culture. Who is... Read More

Mirror, Mirror

The Concept of Beauty"Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who's the most beautiful of them all?"This is a line spoken by the Queen in the children's fairy tale... Read More

To Live Or To Live With Purpose: That?s The Ultimate Question

Each person has her or his own place and purpose. We all possess unique talents and unique ways of expressing them. This means each of us can... Read More

4 Important Conversation Tips for Your Personal and Professional Lives

If you are searching for a way to improve your communication skills at work and in your personal life, here are some conversation tips that will give... Read More

10 Common Money And Success Myths ? Part 1

For the longest time, people believed that the earth was flat and that if you traveled all the way to the end, you would fall off! People... Read More

The Top 10 Roadblocks to Attracting Prosperity and what We can Do About Them!

If it were easy, everyone would do IT; everyone would have IT.That "IT" is prosperity and we're all trying to achieve that stage in our lives where... Read More

Opportunity Knocks 1000 Times

You've heard people say that opportunity only knocks once. I say it knocks a thousand times, or at least it can. The problem is, we often don't... Read More

Are You Living?

Disclaimer: All the thoughts expressed are my views only! Your perception might differ...1. I don't have time to balance my work and life?2. Still I don't get... Read More