Ah gee, I knew someone would ask and I'd have to share my 'secret' after I mentioned it. Heehee.

These are the type necklaces my grandmother favored. She had a number of them. They are typically graduated strands of mixed beads, in multiple layers. It was a very challenging art form as those of us who try to assemble beads for necklaces can understand. She bought some of her necklaces from church members who collected beads and designed necklaces... a cottage industry of the era. Others were from department stores and were made in Germany and Japan.

They often were a mix of glass with plastic and other lightweight materials. Japanese necklaces often contain cotton pearls.

As a teen, I was interested in glass beads but shunned plastic. My mom sold grandmother's necklaces at a yard sale. I would have kept some but I thought they were all plastic. The first woman in the door scooped up all the jewelry, delighted with her treasure. I told her they were plastic, but she said "oh no, there is lots of glass in there". I felt ashamed I didn't know the difference, that I had let grandmother's necklaces get away. I spent much effort over the years after that teaching myself to tell glass (and stone and shell) from plastic.

All these years later, I realize my interest is in creating mixed bead necklaces, especially graduated sizes. I prefer one or two strand necklaces. I still shun plastic, and I try to create interesting strands with only glass or stone.

I'm not sure my exact plans for these purple beads. I'll leave the necklace intact for now. I paid $17 for these 8 beads, but there are some clear twisted glass beads to harvest as well.