Cloisonné Enamel Jewelry with Spirit

Linda Crawford Designs©

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The word bead comes from the Anglo-Saxon root word, 'bebe' and it means 'prayer'. 'Bidden' means 'to pray'.

Prayer Beads have been a counting device for almost every religion on earth. Sandstone sculptures of the Sunga and Kushan period show Hindu Sages holding Rosaries (185BC-320AD). Hindus predate Christians by 9 centuries B.C. and desert fathers counted with stones, sticks and notches long before recorded history.

Early Christians counted 150 beads (150 Psalms). The Buddhist and Hindu prayer beads have 108 while some have 66 (563-438B.C.). Muslim or Islam count prayers on 99. Worry Beads, from the Middle East, have 33, which are still used today. Greeks still use and call their 100 knots on cords 'Kombologion'.

In the 16th century the widow of Cesare Borgia, Charlotte d'Alhret, has Rosaries of enameled pierced-gold beads for holding scent.  Sample of my beads are below.

Special Orders only.

If you like a certain style please contact me at my email address and I will be happy to work with you on a special design that fits your needs.

Beads...prayer