Trollbead Jewelry is Becoming More Popular Every Week

Troll beads have been around for the last thirty years; these colourful beads each have their own story which is based around fairy tales, animals, flowers, mythology and astrology. The beads are made from a number of materials including sterling silver, gold, glass and precious stones. If you have not yet heard about trollbeads then I suggest you take a look around the internet and get involved in this world wide craze.

They started in Denmark in 1976 when Soren Nielson created a small silver pearl (The Mask) from a wax model, which he drilled a hole through and the concept of putting these charms onto jewellery began. In the 1980s Lise Aagaard began an apprenticeship making troll beads, she began experimenting with materials and developed the first glass bead which became widely available in 2002.

Now more technology means more beads of different shapes, colours and sizes can be made and there are now beads for all occasions and personalities with new designs coming out all of the time. The beads can be made into bracelets and necklaces and designed by you to suit any outfit or mood, or you can buy complete bracelets and necklaces to start your collection.

If you are new to trollbead collecting then to familiarise yourself with the different types you can view the following categories of bead:

Glass Trollbeads

Glass beads were designed by Lise Aagaard in the late 1980's but because of the complexity of making detailed designs on small pieces of glass, these beads were not available fully until the early Nineties. Now there are hundreds of glass beads of all colours and designs available, some with colours running through the glass and others with glass bubbles on the outer surface.

Gold Trollbeads

Gold troll beads come in all different shapes and sizes including animals, fairy tale characters and abstract shapes. They go well with glass beads and the different characters help to create a theme or storyline running through each bracelet or necklace.

Letter Trollbeads

These beads have a letter from the alphabet built into their design. You can buy your initials to incorporate into your troll bead necklace or bracelet or why not buy all the letters which make up your name? This really allows you to personalise your jewellery and make your own storyline through troll beads.

OOAK Trollbeads

These one of a kind beads are hand made and are completely individual. Some are prototypes which have been rejected while others are slightly imperfect and have been removed from production. Often this is simply because the colour is incorrect or the design has not come out as intended, but this just adds to the character and rarity of the bead.

Retired Trollbeads

Some beads are retired after a while to make room for new designs. These retired beads are still available in our store but they can become rare.

Silver Trollbeads

This is how troll beads first started in 1976, they are made of silver from wax models which are cleaned and drilled to make them into bracelet and necklace charms. Over the years more designs have been produced and now all shapes and sizes are available to compliment individual personalities and interests. And like gold beads, different mythical characters add to the story line of the bracelet of necklace.

Trollbead Bracelets

Bracelets can either be purchased as an individual chain or as a completed charm bracelet. The charms only fit onto trollbead bracelets and necklaces. Chains come in silver and gold and black and brown leather bracelets and necklaces are available.

Trollbead Clasps

Clasps are available in gold and silver and a designed so they can be removed to allow the beads on the bracelet of necklace to be changed or reorganised. Clasps are decorated with patterns or are shaped like animals and flowers to fit in with the design of the jewellery. Some are also decorated with gems and stones although there are plain clasps available as well.

Trollbeads are simply the best gifts you can buy a friend or even buy for yourself, they are fun, precious and most of all they are unique.

By: Steven Beckerman

About the Author:

A part time journalist and part time seller of trollbead jewellery in the United Kingdom. To view a range of trollbead items please visit www.BestLittleBeads.com

Genuine Troll Beads & Books to Help Create Jewelry with Them

Tutorials for Jewelry Making

Well after a long holiday break from updating my how to make wire jewelry blog, I have returned to give all of you the opportunity to find out more about troll beads and the beading hobby by giving you a list of the books that have helped me to become familiar with beading, finding the right tools and workspace...of course in the most economical fashion possible. 

Cause if you're like me, you want to find fun hobbies to do, but really don't have that trust fund to fall back on to pay the bills. So without any further delay here is the list of four books that really helped me:

1. Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies 

I have always enjoyed the "for Dummies" series of books, due to the simplification of all of the tasks. This one in particular has step by step instruction for beginner projects all the way to the more complex ones that involve things such as wire wrapping and knotting. So whether you want to use trollbeads for making necklaces, key chains or wine charms, you're sure to find the steps to guide you on how to make jewelry on your beading project.


2. The New! Beader's Companion by Judith Durant

Personally, I consider this my beading reference book! This was the second book that I purchased and after getting the basics down, "Beaders Companion" is just that, a companion to provide you with all of the terminology and reference for a huge list of beading techniques. I definitely recommend getting this book after reading a more introductory-type book like the book listed at #1.


3. Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire & Beaded Jewelry by Sharilyn Miller.

Now we have ventured into the arena for the more experienced beaders. After you have done about 3-5 projects of beading together trollbeads, this book will provide you with the information to create more complex jewerly. Sharilyn has a wonderful way of elaborately describing and detailing all of the advanced techniques. Once you've done a few of the ones illustrated in this book, you will be a pro!!!


4. Marketing & Selling your Handmade Jewelry: The Complete Guide to Turning your Passion into Profit by Viki Lareau

This final book is being listed because, after creating several works of art (IMHO!!), I ran across this book at Barnes & Nobles. I thought to myself, what the heck?!! I enjoy making these pieces of jewelry, why not see if I can make some extra spending money. Viki takes a very good approach to describing all of the skills and factors that come into play in presenting, pricing, marketing and ultimately selling your handmade pieces of jewelry. Now this book may not be for everyone, especially those of you who enjoy beading as a simple hobby to relax after a long week! If you want to pad that emergency fund with some extra cash, this might be the way to go.


I hope that you go out and enjoy these excellent books, but more so that you find the passion for creating one of a kind pieces of jewelry with troll beads. You will be creating items that you can't just go down to the local jewelry store or mall outlet to find!!

Stay tuned for the next upcoming post that will include a beginner's level beading project for you. In the meantime, if you want to pick up some beads to get ready to do some beading be sure to follow the link above!!