Beads have been made and cherished in Europe since Cro-Magnons inhabited the continent more than 40,000 years ago. Throughout the centuries, there has been an ongoing tradition of bead-making using precious stones, bones, metals, ceramics and more recently, glass.

Ancient European glass beads, while available in limited quantity and high cost, are often difficult to come by. Over the years in my travels through Europe and America, I have acquired a large selection of unique, high-quality European glass beads -- many of which are no longer made and often are of historical interest.

Soon after the discovery of Tutankhamen's royal tomb, for example, beaded jewelry with Egyptian themes became "the rage" in Europe during the 1920's. My collection -- which is displayed more fully in our catalog -- show these and other vintage treasures which enable you to create modern jewelry with historic themes.

Collectors should take advantage of the opportunity to acquire these rare European glass beads, which should increase in value as they become more difficult to find.