Q&A for How to Identify Vintage Beads

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How can I tell if my beads are fake?

Community Answer

if you put your beads to the sun and if they shine and sparkle all over then they are real.

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Question

I have a very old black matt long bead necklace, flapper 1920's (provenance belonged to a lady born turn of last century). I thought it was ebony but a chip to one bead reveals a shiny interior, so not wood. Could these be early plastic?

Kim G

Top Answerer

Depending on the beads' weight, they could be either French jet glass or genuine jet, a fossilized semiprecious stone often used in Victorian mourning jewelry. If the beads feel heavy and cool to the touch, they are most likely glass. Jet is not cool to the touch, and is light in weight.

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Question

I need to identify very old beads. I think they're Roman, from about 600 AD. Where can I find experts who will identify them?

Community Answer

Bring them to an appraiser, but make sure it's one who has a fairly public reputation, and a good one. Better yet, consult your local museum and/or college anthropology department, as they might be interested.

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How can I identify the origin and time period of seed beads used by pre-1900 Crow Indians?

Snakey006550

Top Answerer

The seed beads you describe were likely made in Europe, primarily in the Czech Republic or Italy, and traded with Native Americans in the 19th century. These beads, often called "Pony beads," were popular with the Crow and other tribes for beadwork. The style suggests they are from the mid-to-late 1800s, during the peak of bead trade. For more details, consulting experts or museums with Native American collections can help.

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Are my 3 to 5 strand bead necklaces from the 1950s and 1960s worth anything?

Snakey006550

Top Answerer

Three- to five-strand bead necklaces from the 1950s and 1960s can be valuable, especially if they are in good condition or made by brands like Trifari or Miriam Haskell. Their value depends on the materials, design, and maker. They can range from $20 to several hundred dollars. To find out more, check for maker’s marks or consult a vintage jewelry appraiser.

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