Types of beads in photos and the history of beads

Beads have always been attractive to people and not only as a decoration. Of course, it was his beauty that was the main reason. History knows the use of beautiful beads both as a currency and as a status sign. Beaded products were considered talismans endowed with magical powers.

In the middle of the 17th century, young ladies and aristocratic girls they themselves began to embroider their outfits and handbags with beads. And then this skill even became mandatory in the education of girls from aristocratic families. This art is quite time consuming and requires patience, so good works did honor to the girl and praise her parents.

Nowadays, on the catwalk, models from the collections of many famous designers are decorated with beautiful beads. It seems that beaded jewelry and ornaments on various items of women's wardrobe have never been so in demand in fashion. That is why specialized suppliers offer a wide range of beads and beaded jewelry.

How to understand this assortment?
Let's first consider together, what are beads, and what types are they? Does it differ in quality, shape, etc.

Types of beads - classification and definition
Beads - small glass beads - as indicated in the dictionary of V. Dahl. Yes, beads are small balls, most often round in shape, although there are other varieties. The main material for beads is glass and plastic. But many balls can be called beads? A distinctive feature of beads from beads is that the edges of each bead-bead are rounded.

What are the main indicators of the quality of beads?
The best quality beads are calibrated, i.e. beads, in which the sizes and shapes of one bead practically do not differ from the size and shape of another, as they say, bead to bead.

An important indicator of the quality of beads is their color fastness in contact with water. Therefore, before you start weaving from beads, check it for this quality. Place a few beads in water for a few hours. If the beads have not lost their color, this is a good sign - beads of good quality. Feel free to embroider beaded ornaments.

The best beads are from the Czech Republic or Japan.

What is the bead numbering system?
The most common sizes are from the fifth to the eighteenth. The larger the number, the smaller the bead. There are other sizes, but they are much less common. If you are a novice needlewoman, then you better choose the most optimal and convenient size - the eleventh one.

Shape and method of dyeing beads.
The following types of forms are usually distinguished:

According to the method of coloring, beads can be divided into the following types:

In addition to the indicated varieties of beads, the so-called felling can be distinguished into a separate group. Unlike beads, the edges of each bead are not processed, i.e. not smooth or rounded. The sharp edges of these beads can cut the line or thread on which the felling is strung.Therefore, when using this variety, select the appropriate weaving thread. The cutting is faceted over its entire surface, and therefore shines brighter in the light than ordinary beads. The cabin can also be transparent or colored, most often from the inside (coloring outside is now extremely rare), maybe from colored glass.

The next type of beads is bugles. Its shape is in the form of a small tube. Bugles are stained both from the inside and outside; they are also sprayed or made of colored glass.

And finally, beads. This variety contains the largest number of beads of different shapes and sizes, colors and materials from which they are made. In shape - there are round in the shape of a drop, oval, diamond-shaped, faceted, etc. In size, you can find both very tiny and those that, compared to ordinary beads, are simply huge.

Beads are a beautiful and affordable material for making jewelry. A variety of types of beads makes it possible to turn your fantasies into reality, the product - charm, shine and brightness and will open up space for creativity in front of you.