Post: Post Reply: Re: Agreement by Beadman

Original Message: Re: Agreement

Hi Carl,
I agree with you.
To some degree, since the beads are cut from molded or extruded rods, that most likely are/were made in standard sizes, there would be a tendency for resulting beads to be (more or less) standard sizes. Length would be slightly more variable, but anyone would probably be after a good-looking product. Making beads from rods facilitates this. the common way to form beads from rods is lathe-turning—which is used by beamakers for all sorts of beads, including wood and bone (such as for prayer beads).
Among the diamond tabular beads, mostly associated with Mauritania (and perhaps Mali), there are two groups. However, largely, both groups are recycled.
The more common plastic beads are made by taking an already-made oblate bead, turning the perforation "up," and cutting the bead on four sides. Plus, of course, the beads are drilled ACROSS their original perforations. This displays the swirly interior of the beads much better than it can be seen when the beads are strung normally. In some presentations, the original perforation is filled with a small bead—often a red cornaline d;Aleppo, for some color contrast.
The second group consists of actual amber beads that have been recycled. I expect many of these were broken beads. In these instances, the original perforation may be seen on the "back" of the beads, and may be longitudinal—though some are conformed like the plastic beads.
Regarding the red or dark beads, it's a toss-up. I do agree that many may have been heated in Africa. It's fairly easy to do, and I have done it myself quite a few times (before any red beads came into the CA marketplace where I lived). However, noting the popularity of "cherry amber" throughout the world, I would be surprised if European makers did not also make red beads for export. There are at least two groups of these beads. Some are red throughout their mass, and some are only superficially red (and are yellow below the surface). I suppose the latter could be accomplished with dyes. (I myself have dyed these beads upon occasion.) But anyone with a dye-pot and some dyes could do this as well.
Have a good one. Jamey
Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users

Original Message: Re: Agreement
Hi Carl, I agree with you. To some degree, since the beads are cut from molded or extruded rods, that most likely are/were made in standard sizes, there would be a tendency for resulting beads to be (more or less) standard sizes. Length would be slightly more variable, but anyone would probably be after a good-looking product. Making beads from rods facilitates this. the common way to form beads from rods is lathe-turning—which is used by beamakers for all sorts of beads, including wood and bone (such as for prayer beads). Among the diamond tabular beads, mostly associated with Mauritania (and perhaps Mali), there are two groups. However, largely, both groups are recycled. The more common plastic beads are made by taking an already-made oblate bead, turning the perforation "up," and cutting the bead on four sides. Plus, of course, the beads are drilled ACROSS their original perforations. This displays the swirly interior of the beads much better than it can be seen when the beads are strung normally. In some presentations, the original perforation is filled with a small bead—often a red cornaline d;Aleppo, for some color contrast. The second group consists of actual amber beads that have been recycled. I expect many of these were broken beads. In these instances, the original perforation may be seen on the "back" of the beads, and may be longitudinal—though some are conformed like the plastic beads. Regarding the red or dark beads, it's a toss-up. I do agree that many may have been heated in Africa. It's fairly easy to do, and I have done it myself quite a few times (before any red beads came into the CA marketplace where I lived). However, noting the popularity of "cherry amber" throughout the world, I would be surprised if European makers did not also make red beads for export. There are at least two groups of these beads. Some are red throughout their mass, and some are only superficially red (and are yellow below the surface). I suppose the latter could be accomplished with dyes. (I myself have dyed these beads upon occasion.) But anyone with a dye-pot and some dyes could do this as well. Have a good one. Jamey Copyright 2024 All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users

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