Glass Beadmaking History

Glass beadmaking history started thousands of years ago which originated in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Persia. Glass beads are the oldest human art and technology today. Glass beadmaking history seems to be just reinventing over and over again. It is said that the four major eras of glass beadmaking are Roman, Egyptian, Eastern Mediterranean and Venice. Each and every era gave a big contribution to our culture about glass beadmaking techniques that is being used until now. By this time, glass beadmaking still exists and with even more modern styles, shapes and finishes that are really beautiful and fascinating.

In glass beadmaking history, it is believed that Egyptian Faience is the earliest glass beads. They have developed the core, wound and mosaic methods of making glass beads. They were the first to develop glass beadmaking guilds and they are known also in imitating precious stones like Lapiz Lazuli and Turquoise, which are opaque like the real stones. The era of Egyptian in glass beadmaking disappeared in 1085 BC but was revive again in the fourth BC. Now they become more popular in form of jewellery especially with necklaces, bracelets and anklets that are mostly used in African culture. They make these items extremely bright, colourful, fashionable and popular for modern times in different kinds of culture.

The other eras in glass beadmaking history are Mediterranean, who contributed in making unique core formed head beads. Next is the Roman period, who contributed in glass beadmaking through blow pipe method. This is the process of allowing artisan to expand, a bead from the inside and eliminating the weight and shear amount of glass for the core forming method. The last is Venice era who introduced the cheapest and fastest method in making glass beads, the hollow cane drawn method. Until now Venice is the top producers of glass beads. All of these major eras in glass beadmaking history have really contributed a big role in our society in introducing glass beads that’s why we will never forget the things they have done.

Nowadays Czech Republic is the most popular and reputable producers of well-known glass beads. Their beads are sold in renowned jewellers around the world. They have remained the reputation of creating beautiful and durable glass beads throughout the world. This is another addition to our glass beadmaking history. Different techniques and methods have been discovered, some to be lost and some still existing. Many people are having fun doing their own jewellery at home. It became a popular hobby to people, who really loves to create different creations of glass beads. Glass beadmaking history will surely stay in our hearts and mind, for they have contributed a big part in our society that will never be forgotten.