Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

We carry an eclectic (and diminishing) variety of African beads, both old trade beads, and newer beads made or strung in Africa for the world-wide bead trade. Trade beads are old and/or used beads, and will show varying amounts of wear. Newly-made African beads are generally handmade in small communities. Style and availability vary.Rings & Things founder, Russ Nobbs, loved trade beads and African Art. For many decades, he purchased trade beads from African traders -- for sale as well as for …

Antiqued: Beads or Findings that have had their surfaces treated to appear oxidized ("distressed" or aged). Antiqued metal beads have either a genuine patina, a plating, or a other coating which simulates an oxidized or tarnished surface. Antiqued bone beads are dyed a darker hue, often with the use of natural dyes such as tea. The crevices of antiqued beads, charms and findings often appear darker while the raised areas are often polished, to mimic the appearance of actual old, worn beads. …

Find links and information for bead museums, bead research centers and other great beads & crafts related organizations!The Bead Museum of Arizona Following in the footsteps of The Bead Museum in D.C., The Bead Museum of Arizona permanently closed on March 12, 2011, due to insufficient funding. It donated its entire collection of beads and beaded objects to the Mingei International Museum in San Diego, CA. The Bead Museum of Arizona's purpose was to collect, preserve, identify, document and dis …