Little stories behind the beads

Did you know that your jewelry might just have a little story of it’s own? And no I don’t mean the obvious story behind that pair of diamond earrings you may have received as an anniversary gift. I’m talking about handmade jewelry. If you ask a jewelry designer about the beads she used in say a particular bracelet, chances are she can give you the whole low down of where they came from. This is true especially if the beads are handmade themselves, such as with glass or clay. These special beads are often tucked away until inspiration hits or for just the right project.

If you could only see my special bead stash! I have a little treasure trove of lampwork beads that I just can’t possibly use….yet. I’ve gone through my collection (yes, that’s what I like to call those beads that are up on a pedestal) so many times just to admire the colors and detail, basically hoarding them. I kinda have a problem with that. I took out a few of these beads recently and decided it was their time. 🙂 I’ve been in the mood to make another necklace using oxidized copper wire, and thought earthy tones would be a good complement. The Kazuri beads brought back a few memories from when I bought them.

A Gem and Jewelry show or two back, I happened upon the Kazuri booth. These are the handmade clay beads made by women in Kenya. It was a beautiful visual display with all of the beads grouped by color. I spoke with the vendor who said she came down from NH and was from a shop called TurtleNeckJewelry. After a while she asked if I wouldn’t mind watching her booth so she could run to the bathroom. I was struck that she had no one else to ask but a total stranger, trusting me to watch over her entire inventory, money box, computer and cash box. When she returned I made my purchase, and she insisted on giving me a few complimentary beads for doing her a favor. How thankful she was that she could take just a few minutes away from her booth. She was such a kind lady that I would have loved to stay all day as her assistant! I left with a feeling of happiness, just being able to help someone in some small way. Her trust, in this day and age, was also heartwarming. Now, over a year later some of those beads have been made in to two necklaces.

First up is “Dalilah”, an African name that means “gentleness is her soul”. I thought that was appropriate for a necklace that has soft, muted green shades. The necklace is entirely handmade: clay beads, wire links and clasp. It was oxidized in Liver of Sulphur, polished with steel wool, then tossed in the tumbler.

The second necklace is “Woodland Sprite”. The Kazuri focal has both mossy and jeweled shades of green. Swarovski crystals and smoky quartz have been coiled around a large swirl frame. It sure felt good to make another entirely handmade piece.