Richard,
All the beads on this page are newly made.

I don't think there is an agreed upon definition of ancient, but I consider ancient to be at least 800 - 1000 years old.

From about 100 to about 800 years old, I would call them antique.

Between 50-100 years old, I would call them vintage.

Anything newer than 50 years I consider to be "new". However, that may be because I am over 60! I have seen people refer to 20 year old items as "vintage". The round beads labeled as vintage naga conch shells beads were for sale as new beads at bead shows about 15 years ago. So, I cannot agree they are vintage - I would still say "newly made".

Please note that this is my opinion and others may have different opinions!

The difficulty we face is that anyone may call anything "ancient", "antique", "vintage" etc. and there is nothing anyone can do about it. It really is frustrating at times, but you will have to follow the same path as the rest of us, which is to study, read, ask questions, and train your eye. There are seldom any short cuts.

and there are old moulds still being used in Czech rep. to make new (glass) beads..
'50s-'80s jewellery styles are often called "vintage"- all most confusing.
when i describe beads or jewellery i try to remember to call them "vintage style" if there is a question...

However, I feel it is a pleasure to be obsessed.

And you'll be surprised how quickly you'll learn.

Beads are portable, easy to store, show and ship.

Beads are cheap in Burma but shipping can be expensive;

I've heard repeatedly: "Burmese shipments get lost in transit."

But it is a fun lifestyle and you may learn much more about history and geography.

For me, it has been a wonderful opportunity to study people and places.

"It is a job you will never retire from ~because it is too much fun."

Just Fred

P.S.
About common misusage of words "antique"&"ancient":
These are one word contractions rationalized to mislead.
Sellers should say:"antique STYLE"&"ancient STYLE".

Rub dirty motor oil into nice clean shell beads, and voila, you too can have "antiques"......sometimes they actually smell like that......

Overall I agree with Rosanna, except my opinion is that something should be at least 1000 years old to be ancient.

And I always love Fred's perspective too.

The "vintage" designation has been messed with the most in recent years. Specific to our region, I think it has to do with a huge monthly flea market calling things 20+ years old "vintage" - and of course the internet influences things too. 20 year old stuff is all "vintage" on ebay and etsy. So by that definition I have a truck load of "vintage" beads bought new in the 80s!

Joyce, the reason I feel that the term ancient should be "shaded" to starting around 1250 A.D. is that the Islamic era ends around then. And, It seems to be impossible to distinguish an Islamic era bead that is 800 years old from one that is 1000 or 1200 years old. So, I think of all Islamic era beads as ancient. But, that is just my personal slant on the subject!