Collectible Bead Charts
Bead charts are visual guides that depict different types of beads that crafters use for beadwork and jewelry making. These charts typically showcase various bead shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They can provide a reference for crafters interested in creating jewelry or art pieces with antique beads.
We have been collecting old bead charts for years. Many of these cards provide us with dates and the locations where the beads were manufactured. When you are trying to match old beads for your projects, these charts make invaluable resources. You can also use these cards to date antique beadwork. Beaded items can only be as old as the newest bead used to create it.
These charts sometimes feature beads that are no longer being made. That can be great help when you find an item with unusual beads that no one is selling anymore.
Bead Color Numbers
Bead manufacturers created numerical identifiers for the bead colors. Some bead sellers created their own bead color numbers. These numbers can help bead enthusiasts, designers, and sellers reference and select beads with precision. Elliot, Green & Co was a major importer of glass beads. Their color numbers were adopted by many American resellers and are the basis for the color numbers we use at The Wandering Bull, LLC.
Glass beads come from several countries, including Czechoslovakia, India, France, Italy and Germany. Some bead cards indicate the country of origin for beads. Ludwig Breit Beads come from Germany. Bovis beads came from France. Bovis made Reproduction Color beads to appeal to artists doing reproduction work. Costantini beads came from Venice, Italy.
Collecting bead charts can be a fun and useful hobby for people interested in jewelry making, beadwork, or crafts. You can start or add to your own collection of bead charts with a little searching. Bead shows, expos, and craft events may have vendors and collectors with vintage and antique bead charts. These events can also be excellent opportunities to discover new bead types. You may also join online forums, social media groups, or communities dedicated to beadwork. If you do a lot of beadwork yourself, creating your own bead charts will provide you with an easy reference for future projects.
Check out our Bead Card Collection Video on YouTube
Our Bead Cards are not for sale, but you can shop for Beads
