Beads handicrafts

Bead handicrafts have their origin in the spiritual realm, as "tools" for devotion, but their destiny has often been more practical. Jewelry, made from silver and precious beads, was portable wealth -- like money! This bead craft of course, raised the value of the beads immensely.

Some beads are coated with different finishes, depending on the type of material used for the bead. Colour is either a part of the bead work, natural or synthetic material. India has a natural supply of semiprecious stones such as quartz has been traded for centuries and is highly valued. bead jewelry plays a large part in Indian life, either worn in precious materials or imitations. In the 19th century, a middle class market for beads developed and there came new materials and techniques such as steel, cast iron, plastics, glass beads and more. This art work enabled more people to wear beaded jewelry.