Beaded Necklace With Pewter Pendant

Introducing a new design - Beaded Necklace With Pewter Pendant, a unique piece of jewellery handmade in regional NSW. This limited edition necklace features beautiful Peruvian Turquoise, a crystal known for its protection properties. Adorned with Vintage Look Acrylic Beads Gold Foiled Strand Aqua, this necklace is something different.
 
The clasp is crafted from sterling silver, ensuring durability and longevity. The Pewter pendant, featuring a pharaoh, adds the perfect finishing touch to this piece.
 
Beaded necklaces have a long and diverse history, with origins that span various cultures and time periods. Here are some key points about the origins of beaded necklaces:
 
Ancient Civilisations:
Africa: Beaded jewellery has been found in archaeological sites across Africa, with evidence dating back thousands of years. In many African cultures, beads were crafted from materials like bone, shells, ivory, and various types of stones.
Egypt: Ancient Egyptians are known to have worn beaded jewellery, often made from materials like faience (a type of glazed ceramic), glass, and semi-precious stones. Beads were used not only for personal adornment but also for religious and symbolic purposes.
 
Native American Cultures:
Various Native American tribes have a rich tradition of beadwork. They crafted intricate beadwork patterns using materials like shells, stones, bones, and later, glass beads obtained through trade with European settlers.
 
Ancient Rome and Greece:
In ancient Rome and Greece, beads were used as decorative elements in jewellery. The Romans, for example, created intricate glass beads that were widely traded throughout the Roman Empire.
 
Middle Ages and Renaissance:
In medieval Europe, beaded jewellery continued to be popular. However, during the Renaissance, there was a revival of interest in classical styles, and gemstone beads and pearls became highly prized.
 
Native American Trade Beads:
With the arrival of European settlers in North America, trade beads became highly sought after by Native American tribes. These glass beads, often called "pony beads," were used in the creation of intricate beadwork on clothing, accessories, and, of course, necklaces.
 
Victorian Era:
In the Victorian era, there was a resurgence of interest in jewellery, including beaded necklaces. Queen Victoria's love for jewellery influenced fashion, and necklaces adorned with beads, gemstones, and pearls were fashionable during this time.
 
Cultural and Symbolic Significance:
Throughout history, beaded necklaces have held cultural and symbolic significance. They have been used in rituals, ceremonies, and rites of passage, as well as for personal expression and ornamentation.
 
Today, beaded necklaces continue to be popular worldwide, crafted from a wide range of materials including glass, gemstones, wood, metals, and synthetic materials. They are worn for fashion, cultural and religious reasons, personal expression, and as symbols of status, spirituality, or commemoration. The diverse and rich history of beaded necklaces reflects the human fascination with adorning oneself with beautiful and meaningful ornaments.
 
Please explore the range of handcrafted beaded jewellery on this website.