The history of beads dates as far back as 40,000 years with the advent of modern people. They have been made by every culture since then.

Columbus' first trade with the people of the Americas was done with the use string beads to gain the confidence and admiration of the indigenous people. Europeans bought Manhattan in 1624 for $1,000 in beads. Just Central Park is now worth $528,783,552,000

Glass Gold Jade Bone Silver Shells Porcupine Quills Seeds

Eye beads were used to ward off evil spirits, amulets protected the wearer from harm, charms and mementos and talismans had a very special, very important personal and mystic function for the owner that becomes infused into each piece and transformed by the modern owner into something personal of their own.

Burmese, India

Does it protect you against evil? Will you give it to a friend to curse them? Does it give you special powers? Does it represent a certain time in your life? Does it represent your “tribe.”