Since the old age, the glass beads have been used for various purposes. The history of glass beads is a long and interesting one. It is evident that history of glass beads dates back to the Roman time. Also some facts state that complicated techniques of glass beads formation were used in Mesopotamia and some regions of Russia around 2340-2180 BC. Just about 1500 BC, complex mosaic techniques were were developed.
The complete history of glass beads can be classified as Egyptians, Mediterranean, Roman and Venice. These are briefly discussed below.
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Egyptians: - In the beginning, Egyptians used a glaze composite of quartz. Afterwards they invented some new methods for using glass to manufacture various decorative items like glass beads etc. Core, Wound and Mosaic are some of the above said methods. These methods were primarily used to possess a glass making bunch. The Egyptians used glass to resemble the most sought after precious stones like turquoise etc.
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Mediterranean: - In the Mediterranean era (after the fall of Egypt), numerous cultures were involved in the manufacturing of glass beads. During the time period of 1200 BC to 2 BC, the people of Lebanon (previously known as Phoenicia) used to make beads that had general as well as exploration use. The exclusive head beads were formed by the core method.
● Glass beads were also exported by the Lebanese to their neighboring countries. In the same time period, Etruscans were using the polychrome glass beads in conjunction with their developed gold beads.
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Roman: - During the Roman time period, 100 BC to 400 BC, a vast number of innovated techniques was evolved. The most cardinal invention was that of Blow Pipe. The Blow Pipe made it possible to nullify the quantity and weight of glass reqired in making of glass beads.
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Venice: - Finally the history of glass beads took a noteworthy turn in this time period. To hide the furtive of glass beads making techniques, most of the factories were moved outside the city. This also enabled to rediscover the old methods of glass beads making.
