The Truth Behind Staud Beaded Bags: A Closer Look at Quality Seed Beads
There’s nothing I love more than beaded bags. By the time I discovered seed beaded jewelry outside of Native American culture, I had already been well versed in beaded bags from my years of thrifting and travel.
This beaded purse from Staud uses low quality dyed seed beads (brown, blue, yellow) most likely from China/India. Dyed seed beads will lose their color over time.
I have a beautiful array of vintage seed beads bags from France and Japan who were the top manufacturers of beaded bags a nearly 100 years before. These beaded bags often have a style of rare Opalite seed bead that isn’t found outside of the beaded purses from this era.
Staud beaded purses with low quality misshaped and dyed seed beads.
So imagine, my delight while hanging out on TikTok that I found out beaded bags were trending. “Now is my time to shine” lol, this is what I thought, but when I saw the bags that were trending I was a little taken aback. The brand that was trending was Staud, and at the time I had never heard of them. So I head to their website to check out their products and they have an array of beautiful designs, but to my horror when I clicked on the images for a closer look, I was met with one of my biggest icks (pet peeves, pities, confusions) - cheap, unshapely Chinese seed beads.
Their price point is relatively high for a beaded bag, and as an expert on seed beads and beaded bags, I can’t rectify their price point (not for the brand overall) against their usage of the worst seed beads on the market to design their bags. So below is my play by play assessment on are Staud beaded bags worth it (not even by money, by product standard).
Staud is a renowned fashion brand known for its stylish designs, including their range of beaded bags. While these bags may catch the eye with their intricate beadwork, it's essential to understand the materials used in their creation. In this article, we delve into the quality of seed beads employed by Staud and explore why they may not justify their price tag.
1. The Importance of Quality Seed Beads:
Seed beads are the building blocks of intricate beadwork, and their quality significantly impacts the overall aesthetic and longevity of the finished product. In particular, bead uniformity and color vibrancy play crucial roles in creating visually appealing and durable designs. The technique used on these pieces is embroidery, and from what I’ve learned from Native American beaders, uniform seed beads are essential to clean lines and edging. And there’s definitely a downside to using poor quality seed beads. Staud's choice to utilize Chinese seed beads, which are known for their lower cost, definitely has its drawbacks. Chinese seed beads are often manufactured with less attention to uniformity, resulting in variations in size and shape. This inconsistency can hamper the precision and intricacy of beadwork designs, impacting the overall quality and visual appeal. Truth be told, they’re ugly, a veritable eye-sore.
2. Quality Concerns with Chinese Seed Beads:
One notable concern with Chinese seed beads lies in their color treatment. These beads are commonly painted to achieve vibrant hues. However, the paint used is more susceptible to fading over time, compromising the longevity and visual integrity of the beadwork. In contrast, high-quality seed beads from the Czech Republic and Japan offer superior colorfastness and durability. While I love Czech seed beads, they’ve also been using paint in their beads which has faded on several pieces where I mistakenly bought them. I haven’t had this problem with Japanese seed beads which I love (because of their variety of color and vibrancy).
4. The Value of Czech and Japanese Seed Beads:
Seed beads sourced from the Czech Republic and Japan are renowned for their exceptional quality. These beads undergo strict manufacturing processes, resulting in consistent size, shape, and color. Their uniformity enables precise and intricate beadwork, elevating the overall craftsmanship and design aesthetic.
5. Making Informed Purchasing Decisions:
When investing in beaded bags or any beaded products, it's essential to consider the quality of the seed beads used. While Staud's beaded bags may boast intricate designs, the use of cheaper Chinese seed beads compromises the overall quality, precision, and longevity of the beadwork.
When evaluating the worth of Staud beaded bags, it becomes evident that the choice to use cheaper Chinese seed beads sacrifices the craftsmanship and longevity of the beadwork. While these bags may still appeal visually, their quality may not match their price tag. For those seeking superior beadwork quality, it's advisable to explore brands that prioritize the use of high-quality seed beads from renowned sources like the Czech Republic and Japan. By making informed purchasing decisions, you can ensure your investment in beaded accessories reflects both style and durability.
My recommendations:
I know a good beaded bag when I see one, and if you can get your hands on these and want to make an investment in a heirloom bag (as well as support small business) these are my favorite two beaded purse makers.
Elias Jade Not Afraid:
Elias Not Afraid is a multi-disciplinary artist from the Crow Nation in Montana. His work explores themes of identity, culture, and spirituality, drawing inspiration from their Native American heritage. Through his art, they aim to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms, creating pieces that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful. Follow along to experience their unique perspective and creativity.
Rachel Ellenbogen:
Rachel Ellen Bogen is an accomplished artist whose work spans across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Her art often explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience, reflecting a deep connection to the world around her. With a unique style that blends realism with abstraction, Rachel's work invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and complexity of life. Follow her journey to discover more about her artistic vision and creative process.