Beads have been used throughout the ages and in virtually every culture, not simply as adornment but to express social circumstances, political occurrences, and religious beliefs; as a form of currency; or as symbolic embodiments of curative powers. And they're colorful, made of various interesting materials, and can be combined in endless configurations. With more than 100 crisp color photos and intelligently written text that reaps the benefits of the author's 30 years of research, The History of Beads documents bead styles and uses in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Far East. Ranging from prehistoric times to the 20th century, this book stops along the way to consider the magic eye bead, prayer beads, and beads with other special attributes.

Welcome to Jerry Smith Beads Online. Over the last few years many of the top designers in the industry have discovered the beauty of hand-cut beads. These are one-of-a-kind creations by top designers using precious and semi-precious, faceted and smooth beads. Ruby, amethyst, fine red garnet, peridot, and citrine were used extensively. Smoky quartz, tanzanite, sapphire, and even emerald beads are being used in incredibly imaginative ways. These gem beads show the typical randomness of East Indian cutting. The beads are not perfectly cut nor perfectly matched. Designers use this to their advantage; the finished products are works of art with an individual, timeless quality. This jewelry is not inexpensive - they can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars per piece. This is not simply because they are custom designs, it is because traditionally, Indian gem beads priced out of the reach of most Beaders.

Company Information Success Story Jerry Smith, Beads has grown and prospered increasingly through the contributions of my customers. To say that They're the friendliest people in the world is to sell them short. You are also some of the most honest, loyal, and ingenious people with whom I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Born on a Kitchen Table This whole business evolved out of a mid life crisis. Instead of buying a fancy car I decided to try my life long dream of starting a business. I received $100.00 as a Christmas present. With this I bought 75 strands of chips from a company in the back of Lapidary Journal magazine. I put these up for auction on eBay. People actually mailed me money! I said "Hey, that was pretty neat, I'll do that again." I took the small profits from those sales I bought more beads and chips.