Oglala Lakota
Beaded Feather in Hoop Necklace
on braided leather beaded necklace

Oglala Lakota
Beaded Feather in Hoop Necklace
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

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About Beads

Beads used by Native American artists are usually round but can be flattened (rondelle) or cylindrical. They are usually made of glass and come in a variety of colors. Most are one solid color except for European Trade Beads, which are mulit-colored and sometimes decorated. Beads are measured by the "aught" system with 1/0, pronounced "one aught", being the largest. The larger the number the smaller the bead.

Seed beads are the smallest round beads, 24/0 to 4/0. 24/0 is approx. 1/32 inch (about the size of a grain of sand). Seed beads are used mainly for beaded items and embroidery.
Pony Beads are 5/0 to 6/0.
Trade Beads are 3/0 to 4/0
Crow Beads are the largest, 1/0 to 2/0. 1/0 is approx. 1/4 inch.

Most contemporary high-quality seed beads are made in the Czech Republic, Japan or India.