Sealed with a bead

Beads as seals? Well, why not! Its is generally believed that cylinder seals were invented in Mesopotamia, present day Iraq, or perhaps Iran, around 3500BC. The surface of the bead was carved on stone and when rolled in clay produced a continuous impression of the engraving in relief. The idea seems to have been really hot as it seems to have scattered everywhere like the beads of a broken necklace.

It wasn’t only stone that was used for these lovely seals, but garnet, lapis lazuli & carnelian, too, to name but a few. These tiny pieces of art, worn on a thread on string or a pin, were status symbols and depicted anything from animals, to gods & goddesses, demons & monsters. Of course, most things worn in that fashion have no chance but to be used as jewelry as well!

For a long while in human history, these cylinder seal beads were like a must have status symbol, and as widely spread as the trendiest mobile phone. They were everywhere. Cylinder seal beads have been found at burial and archaeological sites of Ur civilization, the Sumerians, Assyrians, in pre-Columbian North America and Babylonia.

The invention of cylinder seal beads later led to the development of a system for writing on clay tablets known as cuneiform. The cylinder seal beads themselves developed into a more powerful and meaningful existence and were recognized as official authorities and legally binding signatures.

Nevertheless, they also remained as talisman, amulets and containers of magical powers. This may explain why they survived the ravages of time as tiny and delicate tributes to their history and culture, while many of their larger scale counterparts fell to pieces.

Then again, this could be final proof that size really does matter .. but that smaller is better after all!

Email me

Please email me for custom orders! For wedding and special occasions, I can create something special for you.

Use the online catalogue The Treasure Chest Collection as a source of inspiration for custom orders. Try combining your choice of choker/necklace from The Treasure Chest Collection with your choice of colors from the Theme Box, to order something truly unique, created especially for you.

Don't forget to have a look at Bracelets & Anklets, a collection of semiprecious and crystal bracelets and anklets.

Please place your order by sending me an email at fadwa-wm@fadwa.com (see Ordering information page for more details).

If you want to know more about me, or you need additional contact information, see the About Designer page.

Please remember

Each of jewelry in this gallery is handmade, and as such, may vary slightly from the pictures.

Quantities are very limited and subject to bead availability.

Enjoy! And thank you for visiting.

Fadwa