Nailheads, Vintage, Czech Glass, 8mm, Square, Cushion Cut, Faceted, Opaque, Medium Blue, 25 beads per strand, Priced per Strand

Nailheads, Vintage, Czech Glass,
8mm, Cushion Cut, Faceted, Square
Opaque Medium Blue
25 beads per strand,
Priced per Strand

What are vintage nailheads, you ask? Nailheads (or sew-on beads) were originally made in Bohemia from the late-1800s through the early-1900s. Queen Victoria started an international fashion for using them as subtle embellishments on mourning dresses, so nailheads were originally copies of beads worn by nobility for mourning dresses. Later, they were used as sequins and embellishments on flapper dresses. Darker colors were commonly created for mourning and why today we find so many nailheads in darker colors: black, black ab, brown, gunmetal. But, we do find nailheads in brighter colors white, orange, pink, burnt sienna, etc., and finer finishes. It just depends on when on the timeline they were created that you will get the different colors and finishing. The term nailhead comes from the fact that the beads have flat backs and were domed or faceted and often looked on the clothing as if they were the head of a nail - hence "nailheads."

The fact is, the beads are amazing - their colors, shapes, finishes. I love them, especially the elliptical shapes. They will work into spirals, embellishments, weaving and add such nice texture. Experiment outside your box with vintage nailheads!

I've sold beads for over 10 years. As with all items I sell - I'm all about quality! If you're buying Czech glass from me, you're getting A-grade, first pick beads from an importer who has picked the beads themselves. You will not get from me - ever - C-grade beads much like what is sold to hobby and craft stores, big box stores, or large online bead retailers that prefer price over quality.

Buy your Czech glass with me - you're getting amazing quality, great prices, and dealing with a person who really cares about her customers and the beads she sells them!!! :)