Thanks for the info re my previous enquiry re steel beads. I'm a researcher by chance having inherited some beadwork, amongst which is a bead work watch chain, circa 1830s - 1870s. The ribbon is 1/2 inch wide, 21 inches long (obviously shortened), with a background of tiny brown glass beads and a pattern of gold and steel stars and emblems. I''d love to know the origins of the beads. Can't send an image as my IPad won't let me, but similar chains can be seen at historicnewengland.org.