Bead Wish List: Antique and Vintage

Most beaders will admit to at least a little bit of bead hoarding. Sometimes a style or color is just too beautiful or precious to use on a whim. When those beads are also rare, it becomes even more difficult to part with them.

The certainty that our favorite vintage beads will never be available again makes it hard to justify using them up. Often, it’s their rareness that makes us second guess any ideas we have for creating a piece of jewelry with them.

But, precious as they may be, beads were meant to be used - unless you can get away with putting them on display to be enjoyed on their own. Sometimes you’ve just got to hold your breath and go for it. Today, I went on the hunt for some fabulous antique and vintage beads that might inspire a little hoarding, or perhaps some daring beadwork.

Ancient Roman Glass Beads
from Happy Mango Beads



Czech Vintage Hexagon Marbled Beads
from Artbeads.com



Sapphire Vintage Swarovski Flying Saucer Crystals
from Rings & Things



Scarlet Floral Filigree Vintage Lucite Pendant
from Fusion Beads



Vintage Plastic White and Navy Yarn Ball Beads
from MK Supplies



Vintage Lucite Pink Daisy Cabochon
from The Beadin’ Path



Vintage Czech Red Nail Head Beads
from The Hole Bead Shoppe



Vintage Green Yellow and White Swirled Beads
from Yummy Treasures

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