Bone Beads

Bone beads have been an element in jewelry supplies as long as man has been making jewelry. Perhaps the first bone bead was a trophy from the hunt worn as a talisman to assist in future hunting sucess. Whatever the reason initially, bone jewelry supplies offer an excellent variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The chief sources of bone are oxen, cow, camel, yak, and water buffalo in India, China, and Africa.

All bone beads are naturally white, but color is commonly altered with dye, tea stain, smoke, charcoal, or other colorants. The finish on bone beads tends to be either matte or semi-matte. They are often carved and cut into fancy shapes, but rarely faceted.

In jewelry making, bone beads blend extremely well with most gemstone beads, shells, and freshwater pearls. They provide an ethic touch or a neutral counterpoint. Due to their abundant source, their cost is primarily a labor cost, rather than a rough material cost, which makes them a great way to save money on your jewelry making projects.

Bone beads are not a birthstone or associated with a particular anniversary or zodiac sign. However, they are commonly carved into zodiac signs and other symbols.

common treatments: occasionally dyed, smoked, oiled or waxed

special care: protect from abrasion and impact or prolonged exposure to high heat or harsh chemicals