Glass beads themselves have a perceived value that is greater than most other man-made antique and vintage beads - with the exception of some plastics, i.e. Bakelite beads. And something else to note right away: (as with many things) the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Vintage beads often fall into this area.

So let's make this a quick overview of some points to remember whether you are buying to collect as they are, retring, repair or create new items.

1) If you are buying a strand or loose beads that are/where graduated - it will be difficult to make "mulitples" of anything if you are creating. If they are loose - it may even be impossible to recreate the strand or even find a fair number of "pairs" to make earrings with or work into a new design. Still desirable - you will want to consider this when deciding a price to pay for them.

2) Whether they are all the same size or graduated - you need to see if any of the beads are damaged. You will most often find this amongst cut/faceted beads as opposed to polished round ones. This will affect whether or not you will need to re-string them if you wish to restore or how many pairs you will have left from a graduated strand (because - once damaged beads are removed - you probably won't have a "strand" left at all). Don't shy away if they are, but again, note this when deciding a price or bid consideration.

3) Look for hand-knotted strands - they are probably better beads. They will be difficult to have restrung if they are no longer complete (this can be done for as little as $1 an inch - but it is hard to find someone - and someone who is as picky as they should be!) - but much less likely to need it if they are. Check the ends near the clasps on complete strands, reinforce if necessary. Simple home re-inforcement? Match the thread exactly with the finest grade you can find. Actually stitch around and around each end and run through the last bead if possible. You cannot hurt the strand (unless you force a needle into an unwilling bead and break it). Your efforts can be reversed later for full restoration if necessary.

4) Watch for extra special beads in any amounts, sizes, loose or strands, etc. These would include: foiled, Murano, Venetian of any kind, rock crystal and any unusual shapes-colors-designs that you can find. Check eBay listings to familiarize yourself with these kinds of glass beads. Also - some may be actually be stone, semi-precious or otherwise (lapis, amethyst, rock crystal, etc.) so learn about these cross-over areas as well and examine good examples that are listed for particulars so you can recognize them yourself.

5) Choose colors, shapes, styles that you are naturally attracted to. They will always inspire you to create with or wear. Do not hesitate to pile on several strands and choose hues that are slightly different from each other (like different shades of blue-green). Altogether they can be stunning. Take color mixing tips from vintage multi-bead, multi-strand necklaces of any material. Some great designers of another era made decisions about exactly which colors to mix and put next to what. When you examine them - what is beautiful as a whole can be almost daring when closely noted. Keep that in mind when you are mixing your own outfits and creations.

6) Last - weight is crucial. Watch for real amber when you are sorting, it has the weight of plastic instead of glass/stone so don't toss it in the junk pile. It also varies in colors from sunny yellows to garnet-tone reds. It can be polished, smooth, faceted or left natural. Some older amber beads have extra value - show any that you are unsure about to a jewelry dealer at your next hometown antique flea market or show. They will be happy to give them a quick once over for you. (then either buy something or get the heck out of there - they need to make a sale!) Weight should also be noted as it can also can also mean a better bead, material or what will turn out to be an unwearable necklace that will have you dragging in your soup all evening.

What price to pay? Generally average eBay auctions sell older glass beads cheaper than you can purchase new and also cheaper than nearly any other outlet for vintage and antique jewelry. You will rarely make an error buying from a reputable seller. However - if you are watching a larger mixed lot - make sure to inquire about bead types and quantities a couple days before the auction you are watching ends. This will give the seller time to answer any inquiries that aren't covered by their description and allow you to make necessary calculations.     Good Luck!