Bead jewelry has been adopted by cultures around the world for centuries. Bead jewelry was one of the earliest forms of jewelry utilized by the Native Americans and created through a process known as bead weaving. Bead jewelry techniques are strikingly similar to those of basket and blanket weaving and may have evolved in conjunction with these industries.

For ancient humans and many modern humans in parts of the world, beaded accessories are not only body adornments, but also symbols of status and identity. Native Americans often used a fixed pattern or select colors that represented their social rank in the group and distinguished tribes during warfare.

Glass Beads- Small glass beads are used to create more complicated structures and are often called "seed beads". Round glass beads, or "druks", are perfect for simple bracelets and jewelry components such as earrings.

How Many?

How Many beads make a 16" strand? (approximate)

12mm	-	34	beads
10mm	-	41	beads
8mm	-	50	beads
7mm	-	59	beads
6mm	-	68	beads
5mm	-	87	beads
4mm	-	100	beads
3mm	-	135	beads
2mm	-	204	beads