From an eBay auction:

"The so-called ÒfuseruolaÓ is a small, precious and quite ancient embellishment: it dates back to the Middle Ages.
Art historians have discovered that the fuseruola BEAD was originally used as a counterweight for the spindle, in order to make floss more ÒuniformÓ. It then turned quickly into a token of love, to be given as a gift to the bride, along with the spindle. Since the fuseruola beads were part of the brideÕs dowry, according to tradition, they were used to embellish pillows, cushions, curtains and doilies."