The Surprising History Behind our Seed Beads
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Tuesday, 7 August 2018
Hello! Hello! Hello! It’s beautiful outside, our customers are beautiful, and I cannot wait to give you a little detail about the littlest of our beauties at Pandoras Baubles and Beads. Now, you already know that here at Pandoras we believe that with creativity you can literally do anything! That is why we strive to carry a selection of beautiful beads and tools so that all of you can have an open road to create a masterpiece! And if anything from our selection perfectly embodies this goal of ours, it’s our seed beads.
Seed beads are small beads that are used in all varieties of jewelry-making projects. From simple stringing to complex bead embroidery, from breathtaking weaving to even more, these beads can be used in any project! They come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes but we love them all!
But you have to hear about their history! Because it is a story that is so complex you will have to hear it to believe it!
Seed beads were first made during the 15th century with production centered in Murano, Italy. In fact, for over two hundred years the bead makers in Murano had a virtual monopoly on the process of bead making until the Czechs stepped in during the 18th century.
What is this process? Well, join me on this slight side tangent because it is actually really cool! So what they would do is pull or draw a mass of molten glass into a hollow cane tube. The molten glass was gathered on the end of a tool called a puntile, then a bubble was introduced in to the centre of the glass, after which a second puntile was attached, before the glass and bubble were drawn out into a long cane. The stretching could be achieved on a small scale by one person working alone, or on a larger scale by two people moving quickly but steadily in opposite directions for up to a hundred feet or more! The drawn glass tube would then be cooled, rough cut into small bead pieces with a guillotine, (yeah a guillotine! like the things that cut off peoples heads! ahhhh!!) before the pieces were placed in a hopper filled with a clay slurry mixture to smooth the beads through the abrasive action of tumbling. They would then be cleaned and re-worked before being fired for smoothness and depth of color.
Okay, sorry! Side tangent over! Anyway, after the Czechs took over the seed bead making process, Murano became almost obsolete and today is virtually non existent in the seed bead manufacturing world.
In our shop, we carry literally countless different types of seed beads, more seed beads than I can even count! So come in! See why we love them so much, because we love you all and love to see you! And how fun would it be to do a seed bead project together?!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! the history behind birthstones
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Gemstones! Gemstones! Gemstones! These breathtaking pieces of mineral crystal are not only beautiful but have also been the center pieces to countless myths and legends of human cultures for ages! From healing properties to symbols these stones have played a large role in developing cultures all across the globe!
At Pandora’s Baubles and Beads, we love our gemstones and pride ourselves in the wide selection and diversity of our stone strands as well as our jewelry. Within each stone lies a story as unique as its owner, which is why finding the perfect stone for each individual is essential and our very, very top priority!
One such way that stones connect to us is through our birthdays, as birthstones! Throughout history, birthstones have played a huge role in the beliefs of numerous cultures. In fact, many cultures believed that birthstones possessed individual and magical healing abilities and had the ability to bring their owners good luck. In fact, the concept of birthstones can be traced back to the Breastplate of Aaron in the book of Exodus in the Bible. The Breastplate, a religious symbol, contained twelve different gemstones for the twelve tribes of Israel. Later, in the 1st century, Flavius Josephus and St.Jerome, discovered the connection between the 12 stones and the 12 zodiac signs. They then pondered on whether or not the gemstones had special and individual powers or abilities based on the corresponding astrological sign.
However, Josephus and Jerome’s ideas about gemstones and astrological signs was not exactly the same concept as birthstones are today. They believed that every individual should own all 12 gemstones and wear them according to health condition, challenges, and which zodiac season was in season.
It wasn’t until 1912 that the modern birthstone list and birthstone tradition became what it is. And while birthstone lists differ slightly to this day, with some months having more then one stone, most jewelers go by is the one that follows:
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
July: Ruby
August: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel
September: Sapphire
October: Opal and Tourmaline
November: Topaz and Citrine
December: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise
And we absolutely love every single one of them!! They are just so diverse and beautiful, AHH!!! WE JUST LOVE THEM!!!! If you are interested in more information on your birthstone! Come into the store today and ask us about your birthstone!
VENETIAN GLASS: A little Italy in eastern Idaho
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Thursday, 19 July 2018
Truman Capote once said, “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go,” and we here at Pandora’s agree! One of our prized pieces in shop is our beautiful selection of Venetian Glass Beads. Ranging in vibrant colors, unique shapes, and diverse sizes, these beads are not only eye catching but are sure to make you fall in love! True treasures from the city of love, brought to you here in Idaho, these little lovelies are not only pieces of history but beautiful pieces of perfection.
But, before they wandered into the spotlight of our store, where did they come from? What makes them so beautiful and precious? Well, today is your lucky day, because we are going to tell you just that, because this story is so good, we just had to share!
CUE ITALIAN ACCENT!
The beginning of Venice glassmaking began during the days of the Roman Empire when glass was used to light bathhouses. By combining Roman experience, trade with the Orient, and skills learned from the Byzantine Empire, Venice found themselves with everything they needed and a fast pass to becoming the new stars of the 8th century glass-manufacturing world!
However, it wasn’t until the 15th and 16th centuries that Venetian glass reached the peak of its popularity! During the 15th century, Angelo Barovier, an incredible glassmaking master, discovered the process for producing clear glass which led to making Venetian glassmakers the only producers of mirrors in Europe! They also became very popular for their secret processes for gilding and enameling! And when I say secret, I mean secret!! The Venetians became known for the harsh penalties they bestowed upon deserters of the glass companies!
Yet, like every rise, it must be followed by a decline. During the 17th century, Venetian Glass experienced a period of gradual decline as Venice lost its power over trade routes and importance in the eyes of it’s neighboring countries. Yet, this didn’t stop artists in Venice from continuing to create and discover new inventions in the world of glass making. The 17th century brought the rise of brightly colored, intricate glass decorations with floral and animal motives in the eyes of the world! Also, embedding metal flecks within glass to create a sparkly look, a technique called avventurina.
But then the 18th century hit and Napoleon’s conquest of Venice led to the abolishment of all Venice’s Glassmakers, putting an end to the creative movement that had been taking place for centuries within Italy.
This abolishment struck Venetian bead making hard however, just because things get hard doesn’t mean that they are done! Venetian bead making is still considered to be the most unique and best known. Today Venetian glassmakers are trying to rediscover their ancient and traditional glassmaking methods, which is almost as fun and exciting as the first time they were discovered!
Now isn’t that the coolest story!! I don’t know about you but just talking about Venetian beads makes me fall in love with them a little bit more! But hey you don’t have to take my word for it! I just know you are itching to come to the store and take a peek at these stunning beads, so just give in and come visit us, and experience a little bit of Italy in little Idaho.
BEST FRIEND BRACELETS DON’T HAVE AN AGE LIMIT: the perfect accessory for the closest pals
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
“Friends”, they’re more than an addictive TV series, and when it comes to best friends we all know that it’s the real deal. Whether you are lovers, gal pals, or brothers from another mother, when you find someone who thinks you are just as funny as you think you are, that connection deserves to be put on display.
Now, while you may feel like shouting from the rooftops that you love your best friend, in this day, age, and community that is highly discouraged and viewed as unacceptable. But it’s okay! We not only have a solution, we have multiple solutions that are all practical, adorable, and fun all wrapped up in a happy little friendship ball! (hey that kinda rhymed!)
ONE: We offer classes! That’s right we provide instruction on how you and your bestie can craft unique, very mature, friendship bracelets fit for the grown ups you are! We even provide all materials needed for classes right in store! See our class schedule for more details and pricing information on our bracelet classes! You can even bring your buddy bud and make your bracelets together, maybe even bring us some food… i’m getting off track!
TWO: Anyway, if you don’t like any of the classes being taught (don’t worry we’re not offended that you don’t want to come make jewelry with us. We were going to bring wine but it’s whatever) then that is totally okay!! We honestly do understand that every bestie pair has a different style and a different way of doing things! Guess what though! Whatever creative idea you have, we can put into action! We literally have an entire wall of rocks, an entire table of clasps, and all the tools you could need to craft the perfect bond of friendship. Pick out your pieces and let the Pandora’s employees turn your idea into a reality, or pull up a chair and you and your bestie can craft your bracelets together, creating a memory that can last for a lifetime!
THREE: Not to sound too obvious, but we are a jewelry store and so naturally we carry a wide variety or different bracelets ranging in colors, shapes, sizes, and prices. I guarantee that there is something in store that is perfect for you and your best friend. But that’s not even the best part! The cool thing about our store is there is almost nothing that is exactly the same, however many things that are very similar, meaning that while you pals can pick out similar bracelets to cement your friendship, you can also find something that is unique to you, that celebrates your individuality!
I love the quote, “growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional” it perfectly represents all our lovely customers! You are never too old to have best friends, and never ever too old to be proud of those friendships and have best friend bracelets! Too all of our wonderful friends, we at Pandora’s would like to say, we love you and are still in business because of our best friends! We hope to see you all soon!
WHERE, OH WHERE, DID OUR TRADE BEADS COME FROM??? The History Behind Trade Beads
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Friday, 13 July 2018
Trade beads, almost the first thing to see when you walk into our adorable downtown store, are more than just exquisite, they are the vessels for an immense amount of history! They are probably the best example of our motto “We Travel the World so You Don’t Have to”! These beads have been all over the world and want to continue exploring! But before I try to make you fall in love with them like I have, let me give you a little history of where these beads originated and came from!
These wonders have been used since the beginning of trade routes as a form of currency when there was none. However, even after the development of currency, trade beads were still used frequently to trade with people who did not know currency, such as Africans and Native Americans.
The earliest known trade beads were crafted from materials such as bone, teeth, ivory, seeds, wood, stone, and resins from a variety of insects and plants! However, later beads began to be made out of glass and even paper!
While primarily recorded about in Europe, in 1492 when Cristopher Columbus first stepped onto the banks of the Americas, he was recorded to have brought trade beads to the Native Americans to bargain for supplies, animals, and food! Beads already had huge significance to Native Americans as they were used to decorate clothes, baskets, other material items, as well as themselves, making trade with the new colonists go very smoothly!
However, while trade went well with the Native Americans, the most successful trade occurred in Africa! This success came due to the intrinsic value that Africans placed on beads. Not only were they used as a form of currency but also as signs of wealth, decorative items, and to show status or class in society! The Europeans used beads to trade the Africans for slaves, services, and goods such as palm oil, ivory, and even gold! Beads were often designed specifically with the Africans in mind! These beads include Chevron trade beads, striped melon trade beads, feather trade beads, eye beads, and Millefiori trade beads!
Today trade beads still hold significant cultural value and a history that shaped not only this continent but the whole world! During the late 60’s and 70’s the young people, or “hippies”, of the time continued to bring back beads from exotic places and even began importing beads!
In our store, we are home to a wide variety of trade beads from many places and times! They range in color as well as design and honestly, how cool is it that they literally hold centuries of history along their strands!! It gives me chills just thinking about it!
CAN STONES REALLY HEAL?! The History Behind Healing Stones
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Tuesday, 10 July 2018
Pandora’s Baubles and Beads has always been home to a collection of breathtaking semi-precious stones. From blazing fire opal (practically too hot to touch), all the way to deep lapis that you could just swim in, we provide our customers with only the best and most beautiful stones from around the world.
However, the stones that adorn our rock wall are more than just pretty to look at. These stones possess healing qualities that can quite literally change your life! (to learn more about individual stones’s healing properties take a peek at our Instagram and Facebook pages, and our “Stones of the Day”)
Now for those of you who may be skeptical, or even if you are in need of a good history lesson, kick your feet up, relax, and join me as I travel through time to the origin of stone healing!
***time travel spinning sound***
We are now 30,000 years in the past. That’s right! 30,000 YEARS!!! The oldest amulets found were made of Baltic amber, a “fossil resin” found near the bed of the Baltic Sea made by pine trees. Yet the finding of these amulets is not as significant as where they were found. These amulets were found in Britain. Now to throw a little geography into this history lesson, Britain is almost 900 miles away from the Baltic Sea! The fact that people were willing to carry these precious amber stones 900 miles provides evidence of their importance to ancient individuals.
Flash forward now with me to Ancient Sumaria. Here, we can see the first historical reference to the use of stones and crystals in magic formulas. Soon after, we can find records of the Ancient Egyptians using lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald, and clear quartz in their jewelry and grave amulets primarily for protection and health. They also used topaz and peridot to combat night terrors and purge evil spirits.
In another part of the world, we can find the Ancient Greeks, who attributed a variety of healing properties to stones and crystals. In fact the word ‘crystal’ is derived from the Greek word for ice. Amethyst, was bestowed its name by the Greeks and means ‘not drunken’ and was recorded to have been worn as an amulet to prevent both drunkenness and hangovers.
Now I hope you aren’t getting motion sickness, because we are jumping across the globe one more time to China! It is commonly known that jade was and continues to be highly valued in Chinese tradition. Jade has been used in instruments, armor, even death masks! This was due to the fact that Jade was recognized as a kidney healing stone, and a representation of ancestor spirits.
Don’t nod off now though!! We are just getting to the interesting part! Let’s jump forward to 1609 Germany, and the office of Anselmus de Boot(he he don’t mess with him or he’ll give you de Boot!), the court physician to Rudolf II. Anselmus was the first to suggest that any virtue a gemstone possessed was due to good angels which bestowed grace to the stones. However, the said stones would only work if the wearer gave the credit of the stones gift to God. This mindset caused healing stones to fall out of face in Europe as the world underwent the Age of Enlightenment!
But don’t give up on the stones just yet!!! During the early 19th century medical practices again began experimenting with the effects of stones on subjects. Many of these subjects recorded physical and emotional changes when touched by the stones, regaining the worlds faith in healing stones!
***time travel spinning sound***
Okay, we can rejoin the present, I think we sufficiently covered the majority of the ancient globe and were able to bring back a little history of the real importance behind healing stones!
Today healing stones are still used in some medical practices and continue to hold great significance to individuals all over the world!
In our store, we not only house an extensive variety of healing stones but also a vast knowledge of the benefits these stones can bring to your life! I know, I know, it can seem as if these stones are too good to be true but I’ve seen them really work! Don’t take my word for it though! Try these beautiful healing stones for yourself today!
WE TRAVEL THE WORLD SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO: The Story Behind the Motto
By: Olyvia Saathoff
Thursday, 5 July 2018
Idaho Falls is an amazing place! It’s just big enough to give you the feel of being in the big city (no I’m not talking “big” like New York or L.A. I mean “big” like I don’t have to drive more than 5 minutes to go shopping or get myself some ice cream “big”—yes, that’s the Rigby girl talking), but Eastern Idaho also carries the small town feeling of seeing friends at the grocery store and store owners knowing you by your first name.
However, I (as I’m sure many people who call Eastern Idaho home feel) sometimes experience an ache for the unknown, as if I am being robbed of the culture that other areas of the country and world experience. It can feel impossible to find authentic cultural exposure when I am limited to such a small area of the world. Yet clutched in the heart of historic downtown Idaho Falls, there lies a portal, a ray of sunshine, holding the authenticity and culture that gives my traveler’s heart peace without having to leave the comfort of my hometown.
When you step into Pandora’s Baubles and Beads, it is like stepping into another world! A world full of one-of-a-kind jewelry, breathtaking precious stones, and people who truly love what they do and genuinely want to help others love all of these baubles and beads just as much as they do! I’m not kidding!! Yvonne loves her store, and all of the Pandora’s family is so passionate about what they do! Their energy is contagious!
I can already hear the question on the tip of your tongue; Are you serious? This is Idaho Falls we are talking about! How can you bring culture to me, here, in Idaho Falls?! Well, let me tell you a little story friend, and give you a little taste of not only where we got our culture, but how this store found its home in the crevices of the Rocky Mountains.
As I’m sure many of you know, Yvonne started the store, and still partners with her beautiful mother Katherine. Katherine is a former Czechoslovakian native and was raised under communist rule, enduring an obliviously poor upbringing. After the birth of her amazing daughter Yvonne, she attempted to flee the oppressed country by, get this, climbing a mountain into Austria! It might be just me but all I can picture is a Sound of Music moment in a field of wildflowers (insert Katherine and baby Yvonne).
It didn’t work as well as it did in Sound of Music, though, and her little family ended up back in Czechoslovakia, eventually being dumped in a refugee camp at Bad Kreuzen, Austria. There, they remained for another month, before Katherine, carrying little more than her education, appreciation for culture, and little Yvonne moved to the U.S. to find a free life, and continue building upon the one thing she could never lose: her education.
Today Katherine speaks five languages, can say she was the director of the International Student Programs at Henderson State University in Arkansas, where she served for 11 years, and was the treasurer of the Grand Teton Mediation Association! Oh – And she helped her daughter open her own store!
Boom! We’ve come full circle, and now back at the store we carry not only the culture that Katherine and Yvonne brought from across the great blue Atlantic Ocean, but also incomparable lovelies from Thailand, Turkey, China, and India, that the incredible mother daughter duo have picked up as they’ve traveled the world chasing their dreams! As Yvonne says, “the store has become a natural mechanism to facilitate our mutual love of traveling and collecting jewelry.”
So I guess I was wrong before, this store isn’t just a portal to another world, this store is a glimpse into the hearts of Katherine and Yvonne. It is a trophy, a symbol of triumph from two lives well lived and two adventurers hearts who have brought their love and passion to the hometown and people they love! They’ve traveled the world, and they’ve brought the best of the best home for you! Yes, you! And they want to share the world they’ve seen with you! They’ve traveled the world so you don’t have to!