BEAD: Necklaces

Detail of Necklace of Rolled Beads. Can you see how these beads were rolled from strips of paper? MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.

One of the simplest ways to use beads is to string them into a necklace. It’s an effective way to add visual interest to a wardrobe. Here are a few of the beaded necklaces from the Morrison County Historical Society’s collections, along with one beaded necklace on loan to MCHS for the BEAD Exhibit.

Necklace of Rolled Beads

Necklace of Rolled Beads: The beads in this necklace have been made of strips of a material (likely paper) that have been rolled to form the beads. Donated by Lucy Tanner. MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Necklace of Rolled Beads: The beads in this necklace have been made of strips of a material (likely paper) that have been rolled to form the beads. Donated by Lucy Tanner. MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Closeup of Necklace of Rolled Beads. MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Closeup of Necklace of Rolled Beads. MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Closeup of Necklace of Rolled Beads. Note the smaller colored beads between the rolled beads. MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Closeup of Necklace of Rolled Beads. Note the smaller colored beads between the rolled beads. MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Detail of Necklace of Rolled Beads. Can you see how these beads were rolled from strips of paper? MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.
Detail of Necklace of Rolled Beads. Can you see how these beads were rolled from strips of paper? MCHS collections, #1993.46.15.

Asiatic Necklace

Asiatic Necklace: This necklace featuring claws and beads is labeled as "Asiatic," though the actual origin is unknown. Donated by Lena Downs. MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Asiatic Necklace: This necklace featuring claws and beads is labeled as “Asiatic,” though the actual origin is unknown. Donated by Lena Downs. MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Detail of Asiatic Necklace. MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Detail of Asiatic Necklace. MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Detail of Asiatic Necklace. Note the intricate metal caps on each claw. MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Detail of Asiatic Necklace. Note the intricate metal caps on each claw. MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Detail of Asiatic Necklace. Even the clasp on this necklace is decorative and features the head of and animal. Note the elephant on this necklace (left of photo). MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.
Detail of Asiatic Necklace. Even the clasp on this necklace is decorative and features the head of and animal. Note the elephant on this necklace (left of photo). MCHS collections, #1960.3.1.

Imitation Pearl Necklace

Imitation Pearl Necklace. Imitation pearl and pearl necklaces are deceptively simple with their regular round beads, however the sizes of the beads are graduated, with the beads being smaller near the clasp and larger in the center. This necklace was owned by Mrs. Isaac LaBeau. Donated by John & Marge Copa. MCHS collections, #1993.21.2.
Imitation Pearl Necklace. Imitation pearl and pearl necklaces are deceptively simple with their regular round beads, however the sizes of the beads are graduated, with the beads being smaller near the clasp and larger in the center. This necklace was owned by Mrs. Isaac LaBeau. Donated by John & Marge Copa. MCHS collections, #1993.21.2.

Red Beaded Necklace

Red Beaded Necklace: This long necklace features vivid red beads that would add excitement to an outfit. Donated by Bev Minar. MCHS collections, #1983.67.26.
Red Beaded Necklace: This long necklace features vivid red beads that would add excitement to an outfit. Donated by Bev Minar. MCHS collections, #1983.67.26.
Detail of Red Beaded Necklace. MCHS collections, #1983.67.26.
Detail of Red Beaded Necklace. MCHS collections, #1983.67.26.

Seed Bead Necklace

Seed Bead Necklace: This necklace features red and white seed beads. Donated by Doris Anderson. MCHS collections, #2004.87.1.
Seed Bead Necklace: This necklace features red and white seed beads. Donated by Doris Anderson. MCHS collections, #2004.87.1.
Detail of Seed Bead Necklace. MCHS collections, #2004.87.1.
Detail of Seed Bead Necklace. MCHS collections, #2004.87.1.

Pop Beads Necklace

Pop Beads Necklace: Plastic pop beads, like those forming this necklace, were popular in the 1960s. The beads popped apart so necklaces and bracelets could easily be resized. Over time, the plastic has become brittle and the connecting links break easily when attempting to pop them apart. Donated by Jan Warner. MCHS collections, 1977.60.3.
Pop Beads Necklace: Plastic pop beads, like those forming this necklace, were popular in the 1960s. The beads popped apart so necklaces and bracelets could easily be resized. Over time, the plastic has become brittle and the connecting links break easily when attempting to pop them apart. Donated by Jan Warner. MCHS collections, 1977.60.3.
Detail of Pop Beads Necklace. MCHS collections, 1977.60.3.
Detail of Pop Beads Necklace. MCHS collections, 1977.60.3.

Labyrinth Necklace

Labyrinth Necklace: Made by Sister Carol Schmit, OSF, this necklace features a beaded medallion with the eleven-circuit design of the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. The green color is meant to remind people of the healing power of walking the earth. On loan from the artist.
Labyrinth Necklace: Made by Sister Carol Schmit, OSF, this necklace features a beaded medallion with the eleven-circuit design of the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. The green color is meant to remind people of the healing power of walking the earth. On loan from the artist.
Closeup of medallion on labyrinth necklace: On loan from Sister Carol Schmit, OSF.
Closeup of medallion on labyrinth necklace: On loan from Sister Carol Schmit, OSF.

BEAD Exhibit Intro

Gashkibidaagan (Ojibwe bandolier bags)

Beaded purses & bags

Moccasins & leg bands

Beaded bands

Necklaces

Rosaries

Dresses

Miscellaneous Items