Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Ancient Roman Glass Beads
from Happy Mango Beads

Czech Vintage Hexagon Marbled Beads

Czech Vintage Hexagon Marbled Beads
from Artbeads.com

Sapphire Vintage Swarovski Flying Saucer Crystals

Sapphire Vintage Swarovski Flying Saucer Crystals
from Rings & Things

Scarlet Floral Filigree Vintage Lucite Pendant

Scarlet Floral Filigree Vintage Lucite Pendant
from Fusion Beads

Vintage Plastic White and Navy Yarn Ball Beads

Vintage Plastic White and Navy Yarn Ball Beads
from MK Supplies

Vintage Lucite Pink Daisy Cabochon

Vintage Lucite Pink Daisy Cabochon
from The Beadin’ Path


Vintage Czech Red Nail Head Beads

Vintage Czech Red Nail Head Beads
from The Hole Bead Shoppe

Vintage Green Yellow and White Swirled Beads

Vintage Green Yellow and White Swirled Beads
from Yummy Treasures


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6 comments:

  1. All beautiful beads. That little pink daisy cabochon is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved this post! I was just telling customers at show this weekend I think I have been more a collector or a secret admirer of beads as of late:-). I have been wanting to get my hands on some of those ancient roman glass beads. I saw some great ones in Tucson.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice finds! I think the Yummy Beads are my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Mortira!
    Those are some pretty awesome finds!! I'm so honored to be included, thanks so much :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is not only a fun list, but a really beautiful one, Mortira. How gratifying to be included :) Someone gave me some Roman (or Greek?) glass beads and I share your high opinion of them...

    Cheers from south of the line,

    --Dave at Rings & Things
    (which is still accepting entries in the Design Contest, thru 2/28!!)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! Thanks for including Happy Mango Beads in this great collection! We feel pretty special :)

    ReplyDelete

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