MODERN DESIGNS & ANCIENT BEAD MAGIC
This page showcases contemporary designs crafted by individuals who have selected beads from my lifelong personal collection, featured at Ancientbead.com.

These artists have reimagined the world’s oldest art form - beadwork - through a modern lens, creating pieces that reflect a post-modern aesthetic and a deep, meta-conscious journey through our complex contemporary society.

Design by ShamballaJewels.com
At the heart of this design lies a magical crystal eye bead from Buddhist Bactria, carefully selected from my private collection. This unique bracelet was created as a personal gift by my friend Mads Kornerup, co-founder of Shamballa Jewels alongside his brother, Mikkel. It is a striking modern creation infused with the enduring spirit of the ancient world and it was created during a causal talk and coffee.
 

YOU ARE THE PLACEBO
 

 
Thoughts on Beads & Art by ARTHUR
Arthur is a young man from Hong Kong with a sharp eye for authenticity. Not long ago, he acquired an Indus Valley bead from my collection—and below, you can see what he crafted from that small, ancient talisman.

Soon after, Arthur began sharing his thoughts with me on beads, art, and personal style. I found his reflections so compelling that, with his consent, I’ve chosen to publish them here.

To me, Arthur represents something new: a fresh generation of independent, thoughtful, and effortlessly cool individuals who are navigating modern life in the Far East with originality and depth.

He’s the kind of person who wants an original - for an original.

And that’s why, in the spirit of stories and symbols, I’ve chosen to 'baptize' him:

Art-hur.
 

 
Stream of Consciousness by ARTHUR
I think Chinese and Taiwanese wants things from Tibet only
Hence the incredible prices
Even Hollywood
And they want big pieces
They are obsessed with the number of eyes for example
And it's just speculation for them
Like the stock market
I don't think there is any appreciation for them as works of art or part of human history

So Sumerian and Indus beads are ignored by them, even pre Columbian or African beads
No Chinese buy the later
A bit discriminatory
 
Some pieces are really too big , gaudy

It's like the European saying
They could be rich
But not refine enough for Monte Carlo

Beads that are too big will look out of place on me
I prefer beads with color , correct size , well cut and form ,
what material ,where it's from , it's history ,no need to be Tibet
I am not bothered if no one find it interesting as long as I do
I sort of grade them like the four C in diamonds
I don't pay attention to people's opinion
I think smaller beads are harder to make
Especially the thin slender ones
Like the paper thin jade cups
They break easily

I jokingly tell some people the DZI is for farmers
That's why they are so big
The farmers are rough
Small and slender beads will be broken

I am making a few dozen bracelets
It will take me some time
Some beads go on my shirt like the eye beads
People stare

If it's too big it goes on my backpack
I have some backpack from ww2 , Korean War, Vietnam war
Heavy too , don't know why
Some bracelets only have one bead
Some beads speak volume
They are stand alone pieces
I am pretty careful with them
I try to make the bracelets contemporary
I mix it with tiny pieces of wood , silver , Ancient seals , etc
Could be exotic
Could be cheap
I got ancient cedar beads
To go with some
Others are set with seeds
I don't use metal wire
I don't like them to be chained
I just use elastic strings or linen or cotton

My head is spinning thinking about it and looking every where
I have to write them down
Or I will forget
I could not find anything in the shop that I like
I have to learn how to tie strings together too

A lot of the bracelet will be for one person though

I will have a friend who is good with photography take some photos

And another friend to model them

I send u photos
Since I started buying beads and silver bracelets
I only found one passenger who understand these things
He was wearing two bracelets from the designer M Cohen
He makes silver bracelets for men
I hardly come across anyone who wear anything that catches my eye
A Patek Phillipe does not impress
Everyone with money can get one
It's nice but
Not interesting at all
Pretty rare to see anyone with a superb bead on his hands
I have yet to come across such a person
Everyone in HK is wearing a Rolex
It's like their underwear