Beaded Beauty

Beaded earrings are found in vibrant hues ranging in color from rich tones to luscious pastel, and in style from the pearl stud to the dramatic and large chandelier. Whether strung on thread or wire, or glued onto a surface to dangle in their 100,000-year-old legacy of adornment, these often one of a kind storytellers cross cultures and unite natural and man made elements in beauty. An earring can feature a bead, or a cluster intricately knotted into place. Beads can be simply strung or hung from ornate wire shapes. Fashioned from the faux and natural, from Austrian glass work to chevron simple, an endless variety of this dangling art work are available.

Whether fun and easy or intricate and ornate, beaded earrings will likely utilize the following:

Gem stones, the most traditional, offer a wealth of color tones and properties, from the pale pink quartz to a range of turquoise in vibrant pinks to deep blues and greens. In shape they can vary from round to the very unique. Glass and crystal beads, favored for their color range and sparkle, have been used by artisans of all cultures.

Cloisonné beads, originally from China, combine minerals and glass in intricate shapes and dazzling colors. Beads made of various metals can be used to dazzle on their own or to accent a stone.

Natural beads formed from organic elements like shells, wood, bone and seeds come in a range of natural colors, from deep reds to pale cream. Often light in weight, these work well for larger earrings that are often ethnic inspired. Last but fun and funky, are the man made beads from plastic, acrylic and resin in different high fashion shapes and amazing colors.