From The History of Beads, Concise Edition by Lois Sherr Dubin, 1987 & 1995, Introduction, page 7: “They (beads) are kaleidoscopic, combined and recombined in an astonishing wide range of materials; they express social circumstances, political history, and religious beliefs.” Alas, being a typical westerner, like she says, I confine myself to draping them around my neck.
Thanks to my dear friend Pimla15, three of my bead necklaces are now repaired.
Necklaces better than new
Double thanks again to Pimla15, she made two amazing necklaces from beads that I had neither the time or inspiration to make.
New from Pimla
elfcroft 
Ahh beads…they can inspire you or vex you. Running your fingers over their smooth, silky surface can calm your nerves. Having a strand come apart in your fingers, watching the orbs dance away across the floor to the nether-regions will try your patience. Once repaired, it’s like having an old friend back home.
Thanks sooo much for sending old friends home! and New ones too!