Beads are the first lasting ornament worn by men (and women). Throughout history, they offer a profusion of colors, forms and materials. From birth to death they follow the history of humanity.

Archeologists have found in beads the source of information about cultures, the evolution of societies, and the exchanges among these early societies. The study of ancient beads revealed social standings, political and religious beliefs some ancient societies held.

The first beads can be traced to prehistoric times. They were at first natural elements (stones, teeth, bones, shells). These were pierced, some were engraved with signs and symbols for health, wealth and fertility. Some have representations of beauty, protection or valor.

The first glass beads discovered are of Sumatran origins and were dates from around 2400 BCE. Another evidence of early beads is, inscriptions that were found on Egyptians amulets dating from around 2200 BCE have the word "cha" which means happiness, and the word "cha cha" means bead.

The "millefiori" beads, those beautiful mosaic glass beads were invented in Mesopotamia around 1500 BCE. They represented both protection and social status.

By 1350 BCE very complex techniques are used to make glass bead with a sand grain as the core. Little by little these beads made of an opaque glass, with bright colors, replace precious stones. Carefully made, the style becomes increasingly elaborate, with flower and other forms inspired from nature. But the Egyptian glass making disappeared around 1100 BCE.

During the last century before the common era, the fabrication of glass based on a grain of sand is abandoned in favor of new technique, using hotter and larger ovens that produce a more fluid glass. This is when glass makers invent the blowing tube, but it is not used much for glass beads.

The most complex beads ever made were found at the beginning of the Roman era. They come in wide varieties of colors and forms. The beads are being traded in China, Mali, Iran, Scandinavia etc. They are worn proudly by the elite of society.

In the 6th Century new religious attitudes influence jewelry, glass amulets take the shape of blood drops (divine blood), fish, doves, even the face of Christ is represented. Beads are no longer an exchange currency or an adornment.

In Europe, in the middle ages the church disapproves of jewelry and adorning yourself is considered to be a pagan costume. At that time beads are used for rosaries.

Then beads production seems to stop completely between the 12th and the 16th century, only to start again with the rise to power of Venice.

With the Renaissance a new industrial revival brings beads production back. Explorers, missionaries and traveling merchants use them in large quantities. Once again beads are the exchange currency. This increase in production, can only promote better quality and variety. Venetian beads makers dominate both in quality and quantity the world market until the 20th century.

In the last few years a trend, in the United States, has given new life to blown glass beads, new innovations have surfaced that inspire artists who can let their imagination run to create a world of beauty. The story that glass beads tell is not yet over.