I know almost immediately if I am interested or curious about a bead, and the next moment, whether I like it. Next, do I want it? Then, can I afford it?
It matters what I believe about it’s authenticity and provenance, but I don’t have to know these things for a fact before getting emotionally involved.
Connoisseurship ?
We all think we’re connoisseurs, and for our own purposes, we are.
Buying for one’s own pleasure and buying for resale have slightly different criteria, as one wants to provide as many facts as possible when selling….and of course you have to get a price that you can justify marking up fairly.
I used to want to own examples of every age, era, material, technique and origin. My interests were all over the map!
In more recent years, I no longer desire to keep acquiring so much. Now I mainly just buy beads that I know I will wear. I agree with Rosanna on this point - I can see beauty and appreciate many beads that I know I wouldn’t necessarily wear.
Scientific examination? I am not a scientist. I do enjoy peering at beads through a loupe for extended periods of time, especially when I first encounter a bead I find fascinating. This close view often gives me many answers, sometimes more questions! This is part of the fun!
Some of our members are scientists of advanced levels and can do extensive tests to determine age. I admire and respect this a lot.
Thanks for the conversation, Freddie!