Unique Silver Accessories - Troll Bead Collectibles - Trollbeads

Silver is perhaps one of the most versatile of the precious metals. Fashioned into rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, sterling is easily worked into intricate and delicate creations. Its subtle luster compliments almost any gem stone or any outfit.

My mother had several charm bracelets in silver and one in gold. Young ladies of my generation, once they reached a suitable age, were often gifted with silver charms on their birthdays or at Christmas to "build" their bracelets. My sisters and I each dutifully collected charms for years. Mine sat in my jewelry box most of the time, too fancy to be worn every day.

As well, the musical tinkle of the tiny, delicate charms, so perfect on my mother's arm, nearly drove me to distraction on my own. I have always liked the idea of collecting unique "somethings" on a silver bracelet - just so long as the "somethings" would be quiet.

About two years ago, I discovered Trollbeads, and have been collecting them ever since, slowly building my first bracelet. In the process, I have learned several things about these delightful new collectibles.

Combining sterling silver with an amazingly varied and beautifully unique array of glass beads and semi-precious stones, the unique designs of the gifted Trollbeads artisans will please the most discerning eye for collectible silver accessories.

Each Trollbead bracelet collection begins with the delicate yet strong, woven sterling silver chain on which the beads will be strung. So smooth and supple it is a delight to wear on its own, the chain provides a smooth base on which the beads slide with never a hitch.

The clasps come in a wide variety of styles, from plain to intricate filigree.

You can choose from among several styles of filigree or florals to a crystal accented clasp.

For a bit more, you can have a clasp shaped as a Teddy bear, an elephant, or a fish.

I have opted for a basic catch, but I do rather like the silver fish.

Once I have completed my bracelet, I will see which clasp will suit it best.

I am also considering a second bracelet with just the plain chain and a fancy clasp.

Created in Denmark, these delightful beads and accessories are now available from licensed dealers in Canda and the United States.

When I purchased my first hand-blown glass bead, I discovered that each bead has a name and a story attached to it.

Some of the names are based on mythology, some are derived from well-known fairy and folk tales,

Though many are created for each name, every single bead is a unique expression of the glass blowers art.

My first two beads were Red China and Green Rainbow. The lady at the jewelry store shared each bead's unique origin and story.

Red China, with its base of deep red, accented by a swirling melange of electric blues and greens all shot through with touches of gold and pure white, was inspired by the beautiful, traditional, red, Chinese lacquer ware.

Green Rainbow is reminiscent of the woodlands. When the fog billows over the forest and the elves dance on gallows hill, you may see the green rainbow glowing in the sky over the land of the trolls.

Alabaster, an amber bead so named for its light color, is like an ancient alabaster statue bathed in the golden light of a Mediterranean afternoon.

Next came Silver Mountain and Golden Cave, whose creator, glass artist Anders Martin Bruun, likened them to an Aladdin's cave of delights.

Each bead created to be Black Flower Mosaic has its own character.

Each one is a separate piece of an exquisite Persian flower mosaic cast in black with a shiny shadow of dichroic glass embedded at intervals around the bead.

Orange Steel, the newest bead in my collection, contains gossamer-fine stainless steel threads within the golden glass core for a completely unique effect.

Each of the silver beads is beautifully crafted as well. My first silver bead was the elephant, the centerpiece of the bracelet.

I first thought to find plain silver spacers to use between each bead or pair of beads - the plainer, the better, so as to not distract from the beads.

Each of the silver beads, though, is quite as lovely as their glass counterparts.

In the end, I decided to just look for beads that complemented the rest of the collection, and have been very pleased with the effect.

I now have my elephant, a lovely Forget-Me-Not cluster, a twisted knot, and an adorable ladybug - and not a plain silver spacer in the lot.

An Indian elephant carrying a tented seat on its back called a howdah. The venerable Asian elephant is still used for transport and processions all over India, and is highly respected in many eastern religions.

In Denmark the bright red Ladybug is said to bring good luck. Little children send them on their way with a gentle puff of breath, singing, "Mary Mary Ladybug, fly to the Lord above and ask for sunshine tomorrow."

The rhyme I learned as a child, the old English version, was a bit more urgent and dramatic: "Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home. Your house is on fire; your children alone."

The Forget-Me-Not is like a promise and a romantic memory of the beauty of spring, while the Lucky Knot, a variation on the Lover's Knot, symbolizes the cord that binds lovers together, knotted so that the love, or, in this case, the luck, cannot ever run out.

Though it is possible to purchase lovely bracelets like the ones pictured at the start of this article, I much prefer to select my own beads as I go along. It is such fun to pore over the display, trying to pick exactly the right bead to complement the rest of the collection, and I like the idea that my bracelet will be unlike any other.

As well, I find my tastes change as I go along. Different beads catch my eye from the ones that jumped out some months before. It is fun to compare the silver beads as well - to see which new silver bead will add just the right touch between the sparkling glass additions.

I must be part Whiskey Jack. Also known as Camp Robbers because of their attraction to shiny things, they will often leave a small stone or a leaf in place of the keys, bottle caps or metal trinket they take. I find though that, unlike the Whiskey Jack, I must exchange cash for my shiny baubles. Ah, well, such is life.

© Elle Fredine, 2010, all rights reserved

Photos from trollbeads.com