The Betty Earings

The 1930s were such a fascinating time for glass beads. In the middle of the Great Depression, when fine diamonds and precious gemstones felt out of reach for many, glass stepped in and absolutely dazzled. Glass beaded jewelry werent just substitutes for stones — they were statements! Beautiful Japanese glass beating flooded the American market in the 1930s. When I found this necklace below, I was immediately in love with a striking contrast of the fire engine red Japanese beads with the cubed clear glass beads. I just had to bring it home, clean it up and create more dazzling pieces to share with you.