Cane bead earrings

Historical Information

Type: Cane and Round Beads

Fabric: Red & Green Glass/Early Plastic

Date: Victorian

Find Location: The Thames Bstuary, Essex UK

Extra information:

These 4 lovely glass/early plastic beads came from the Thames Estuary in Essex. they was found in an area known for its Victorian finds. The even shape of the beads suggests all are likely to be around late 19th Century (the plastic one slightly later and machine made). They were found very close to one another so its lovely to keep them together and give them a new purpose together.

A little history of beads

The earliest beads were made from naturally available materials like bone, shell, wood, and stone, as these were simple to use and source, and easily accessible. Bead making in ancient times was a skilful and labour-intensive craft. The earliest clay beads were made by rolling soft natural clays by hand and then dried in the sun. These beads were later improved by firing or baking the clay to harden and reduce breakage. Around 3,000 BCB, glazes and pigments were added to clay beads in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.