Czech Beads
I find the history of beads a fascinating subject. Beads have been found by archaeologists in every part of the world. Beads were the first artifacts found that didn't relate to hunting and the daily necessities. These finds date back as far as 40,000 years ago.
The earliest known beads were made from shells, animal teeth, animal claws and various seeds. Later beads were made from clay, faience, and then glass. It isn't known for sure, but some historians think that the earliest beadwork was for religious purposes and was thought to protect the wearer from evil or attract certain good fortune. Some Historians believe that beadwork signified rank or status.
Czech glass beads date back to ancient times. Today, the Czech Republic is one of the leading bead producers in the world. Their beads are world renowned. Bohemia (Czechoslovakia) had been making glassware such as vases and cups for centuries and were well versed in the art of glass making. Bohemian workers were sent to work in the glass factories of Murano and the knowledge they brought back to their homeland enabled the Bohemians to begin production of glass beads. In the mid 18th century they were producing more beads than the factories at Murano. Czech beads are made of pressed glass, are renowned for their artistry, quality and variety.
Stanovsko, Jablonec and Bedrichov became the center of glass bead making in Bohemia. It was as cottage industry. The glass makers made beads for larger jewelry factories. Czech bead-making suffered setbacks because of two world wars, the Great Depression and Communist rule.
In 1948 a Communist government took over Czechoslovakia and they did not see glass bead making as an approved industry. Many beads were hidden in warehouses and remained in storage for decades. These vintage beads can be found in circulation today. Thankfully the industry has been revived, and Czech bead makers are again among the world leaders in bead manufacturing and exports. They restarted the industry in 1958 only in an effort to trade out of Czechoslovakia in return for hard currency. The communists nationalized the industry, which meant the industry became factory based, rather than supporting individual home-based workers. A single state run monopoly, Jablonex, controlled all exports out of Czechoslovakia involving glass and beads – at one point previously there had been over 2,000 agents exporting glass.
Czech beads are sought after by crafters for several reasons. The first is the quality of the glass itself. Next are the various unique designs and color combinations. The colors are especially vibrant and very eye appealing.
Today, Czech beads have taken on a brand or legend of their own. They are arguably the most well known style in the world and are a significant part of Czech culture and have an enduring reputation.
