Considered as a staple component which can be used to create a wide variety of jewelry designs, seed beads are small uniformly shaped beads which range in sizes, colors, shapes, and finishes. They are commonly used for embroidery and for beaded weaving techniques like peyote stitch and brick stitch. Additionally, seed beads can be used for simple stringing, beaded flower making and as spacers between other beads.
If you are new to jewelry making or have just started crafting with beads, then you will be pleased to know that there are fun facts about seed beads. Read on to find out.
- Seed beads have been around for a very long time. Originally, seed beads were utilized in trading goods and services. Contrary to their value and usage in the past, seed beads are coveted nowadays. Any beading enthusiast would trade cash just to own these cute pieces and do creative work with them.
- The most common material used to create seed beads is glass which is followed by metal and ceramic.
- In the 1840s, Plains Indians utilized seed beads in designing necklaces and other kinds of jewelry. They also used seed beads to adorn clothing. Most of the items created from seed beads served as barter materials when Indians traded goods and services with other tribes.
- During the 13th century, seed beads were used for beadwork. Since European jewelries at the time were made from coral beads and pearls, glass seed beads rose to prominence as most of the wearers came from royal families.
- In the 15th century, seed bead creation and production was done in the traditional European glass making center in Murano, Italy and moved to Bohemia, France and Germany. France became noteworthy as jewelry makers used faceted metal seed beads.
- Nearly all contemporary high quality glass seed beads are manufactured in Japan and Czech Republic. Each piece has a distinctive property and each manufacture has a niche. Beads are sold in containers, in bags, tubes, and even on hanks.
These are just some of the few fun facts about seed beads. Seed beads come in so many different types and variations and it’s up to you on how to work with them for your jewelry designs. Selecting the right seed beads can create a big difference to your beading projects so make sure you choose the best ones. There’s a wide assortment of seed beads available so you won’t have difficulty in crafting your desired designs.
Though most jewelry enthusiasts use glass seed beads, there are others who are into natural seed beads. Glass seed beads are made by blowing or winding while natural seed beads are handcrafted using a variety of plant seeds and nuts. They are harvested from countries like Guatemala, Ecuador, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These seeds are renewable resources and are as ecological as they can get.
Whether you are an experienced jeweler or a newbie in jewelry making, seed beads are the perfect staples for your jewelry designs. Check out our range of natural seed beads here and get started with your jewelry projects. Happy beading!