Beads have been around for centuries. Since the 1800s, people have been stringing the colorful, delicate gems and minerals onto strings and wearing them as adornments. In more recent years, people have also been making beads out of polymer clay or resin. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that synthetic plastics began to displace natural materials in mass production.
It would be an understatement to say that the jewelry industry has changed since then. Today, people are more interested in buying natural products than man-made ones. That's primarily because of the growing trend of eco-friendly and sustainable products. People are also seeking out ethical products that are produced without using harmful materials or processes. Finally, the cost of labour and natural materials has also risen, making handmade beads more expensive to produce.
Why perles en pierre naturelle ?
There are several reasons why one might choose to buy natural stone beads over manufactured ones. First, most jewelry companies that produce synthetic plastics only use materials that can be recycled. That's a great deal because you're contributing to a more sustainable planet. However, natural stones like coral or jade are often times more expensive to source and process than their plastic counterparts. Not only that, but they're also unique in the fact that they don't wear out as easily as synthetics do.
Corals and jades are also a few of the more traditional and vibrant colours that can be found in nature. That colour can't be reproduced by using plastic and it's also relatively easy to identify when you're handling them in person. Finally, not many people will have something that looks exactly like natural stones in their collections, especially if they're looking for cheaper alternatives. That adds a touch of artistic uniqueness that makes the piece even more special.
The Evolution Of Beads
It's important to understand the historical significance of beads. As previously stated, they have been around for centuries. However, they've always been used mostly as religious or cultural symbols. In the 1800s, people began using beads for decorative purposes. They were first made with precious metals like gold and silver, which were eventually replaced by synthetic plastics.
Before long, people started exploring new ways to use beads. Many designers began incorporating them into their jewellery creations. They did this for several reasons. For one, it was a way to add a touch of nature into their pieces. Also, they could use different materials to highlight their designs and create unique pieces. The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do with tiny beads.
The Many Different Styles And Applications Of Beads
Let's take a quick look at some of the various styles and applications of beads. As you'll see, there's definitely more than one way to wear and use these precious gems.
As An Ornament
Beads can be used as ornaments, mostly to highlight pieces of costume jewellery or other adornments like necklaces and earrings. Most often, the gems and minerals are strung on cords and worn as pendants.
As A Design Element
As previously stated, beads have been around for centuries. They've been used mainly as religious or cultural symbols, however, they've also been used for decorative purposes. In the 1800s, people began using them for design purposes. That's mainly because they're relatively easy to source and there are hundreds of different colours and styles to choose from.
For example, some fashion designers use beads in their creations to add a delicate touch of nature. They began incorporating them into their jewellery designs in the 1960s and it became a popular trend to do so. Not many people will have something that looks exactly like nature's creations. That adds a touch of uniqueness that makes the piece even more special.
There are many different ways to wear and use beads. However, one of the most popular ways is simply as a decorative element. It's an easy way for people to add a little bit of nature into their home or office space. Plus, you can be sure that you're buying a quality product that's been ethically produced.