A bead is a small, decorative object that is pierced for threading or stringing. As an alternative to piercing, plastic beads may be Moulded Onto a Thread during manufacturing; these MOT beads are often used for the throw necklaces worn at Mardi Gras. Beads range in size from under a millimeter to over a centimeter in diameter. Glass, plastic, and stone are probably the most common materials, but beads are also made from bone, horn, ivory, metal, shell, pearl, coral, gemstones, polymer clay, metal clay, resin, synthetic minerals, wood, ceramic, fiber, paper, and the seeds of the Bead tree. A pair of beads made from Nassarius shells that are approximately 100,000 years old are thought to be the first known examples of jewellery.

Beadwork is the craft of making things with beads. Beads can be woven together with specialized thread, or adhered to a surface (e.g. fabric, clay).

Types of decorative beads include:

• Chevron beads
• Cloisonné beads
• Dichroic beads
• Ethnic beads
• Faux natural beads
• Fire-polished beads
• Furnace glass beads
• Fused glass beads
• Lampwork beads
• Lead crystal beads
• Millefiori beads
• Pressed glass beads
• Seed beads
• Trade beads or Slave beads

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RT @purplelover04: I entered Artbeads' Treasure Chest Giveaway for a chance to win Prize of Beads and Jewelry Supplies: http://bit.ly/8qYzrf
champ331975 (shon davis) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:50:07 -0000
RT @purplelover04: I entered Artbeads' Treasure Chest Giveaway for a chance to win Prize of Beads and Jewelry Supplies: http://bit.ly/8qYzrf
Give it up to Martha's beads......
LouisvilleRadio (Scott Clark) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:46:42 -0000
Give it up to Martha's beads......
This week at handmade market: design )strata( fiber art bracelet w beads 315 - http://hdmdmrkt.com/B14
Handmade_Market (Handmade Market) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:46:32 -0000
This week at handmade market: design )strata( fiber art bracelet w beads 315 - http://hdmdmrkt.com/B14
Ordering lots n lots of pearls and crystals later today, for a gorgeous custom bridal order :) I love ordering beads!!!!!
pallinad (Amanda Dick) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:43:29 -0000
Ordering lots n lots of pearls and crystals later today, for a gorgeous custom bridal order :) I love ordering beads!!!!!
"all up in the club with the beady beads thinkin he lookin cute"
Promo_Princess (B.P.F) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:42:26 -0000
"all up in the club with the beady beads thinkin he lookin cute"
I entered Artbeads' Treasure Chest Giveaway for a chance to win Prize of Beads and Jewelry Supplies: http://bit.ly/8qYzrf
purplelover04 (erica best) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:40:36 -0000
I entered Artbeads' Treasure Chest Giveaway for a chance to win Prize of Beads and Jewelry Supplies: http://bit.ly/8qYzrf

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