Antique Beaded Cape

Identifying an antique bead is a careful art. First inspect the bead for any seams that could indicate it was molded in a contemporary fashion. Antique beads tend to have a larger center hole. Inspect the bead for signs of natural age. An expert can help you confirm the approximate age of your bead. Shop a range of antique beads from top sellers on 1stDibs.

To tell if a beaded purse is an antique, first look at the frame. Antiques will usually have die-stamped frames, so you should be able to see the pattern on both sides of the metal. The frame is typically cast with newer bags, resulting in the pattern only being on one side. Next, examine the clasps. If your bag is antique, you should be able to detect a gap or seam where the maker soldered on the clasp, while a newer reproduction will frequently have a one-piece clasp and frame with no seams. Finally, look at the interior lining. Antique purses often have a ribbon sewn onto the seam where the lining meets the frame, but this detail will usually not be present on a reproduction. If you have doubts about your bag's age, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of beaded bags.