Many countries make and export beads these days, and it isn’t always easy to tell the provenance of a common type of bead such as a colorful pressed glass round. But there are beads with distinctive themes or styles that suggest a culture or aesthetic that is interestingly ethnic. This article illustrates some beads of different kinds that all have an Asian look.

Cloisonne beads have a very distinctive Asian look, so let’s start there. Cloisonne is an ancient technique for decorating metal, including beads. How are cloisonne beads made?  Basically, wires are attached to a metal bead in order define compartments or cloisons (a French word). Then colored enamel powder made into a paste is painted into the partitions and the metal bead is fired in a kiln. The result is bright, glossy, permanent color and intricate detailed designs.

Sometimes the wires are flat on the surface of the metal bead, but in other styles the wires are raised. The metal beads themselves are lightweight and come in many sizes and shapes. Here are some vintage cloisonne beads in a shape that is rarely seen anymore.

Traditional cloisonne beads are usually made with gold-colored wires and include small and large rounds, ovals, diamond shapes, and so on. Here’s an assortment from my collection.

In addition to the term “cloisonne,” these kinds of light and colorful beads are sometimes called “Chinese enamel.” The gold-trimmed enamel beads are very colorful and have wonderful patterns.

Chinese enamel beads are also available in a silver finish, which is especially nice with shades of blue enamel.

Animal shapes are also popular in cloisonne because of the possibility of detailed design for the wings of butterflies, stripes on fish, and so on.

Enamel is also sometimes used as a decoration on beads of another material such as stone or dyed bone.

Another very ancient art associated with the Far East is the making of porcelain for jewelry, vases, and dinnerware. Porcelain is a ceramic material, usually including kaolin clay, that is heated at very high temperatures. As with cloisonne, striking designs and beautiful colors are possible. Many porcelain beads have a floral theme.

Blue and white porcelain, also called “blue and white wares,” is decorated under the glaze with a blue pigment, cobalt oxide. This style of porcelain has been made since the ninth century and is still popular with beads as well as many other beautiful objects.

Geometric designs are also common on porcelain beads. Here’s a sampling:

Many beads with an Asian flair have intricate carvings of symbols, characters, or scenes from the culture of the Far East. Lacquered wood is often used for this purpose. The red wood is sometimes called “cinnabar,” but true cinnabar, a mercury ore, is toxic and is no longer used for bead making. Bone is also carved gracefully, and so is stone of various types, such as pale green and dark brown serpentine.

Some beads bear actual words in Chinese characters or various well-known symbols for longevity or the union of male and female, Ying and Yang. Both porcelain and enamel beads carry these themes.

Metal coins and charms may also have an Eastern look and can be used in jewelry alone or in combination with beads.

Here are some examples of how Asian-style beads can be used in a variety of classic and lovely earring designs. For more examples, please visit my Etsy shop site at http://www.beadedjewelrybysusan.etsy.com.

What are your favorite kinds of Asian-style beads? If you enjoy my articles, please leave a comment. I love reading them!