Tibetan silver beads are used for creating a wide variety of elegant jewelry pieces that we wear. These beads are sold under several names since they are also referred to as white metal beads, base metal beads, pewter beads, lead-free pewter beads, Nepalese silver beads and tin-alloy beads. All of these names that are used for referring to Tibetan silver beads show that these beads are not pure silver. There are different metals that are used for creating Tibetan silver beads such as copper, nickel and zinc and these metals are considered to be the basic metals which means that there are other metals that can be found in the structure of these beads such as lead, chromium, aluminum and even gold. These metals differ in their type from some beads to others and they also vary in their amounts. Because there are heavy metals that are used for making Tibetan silver beads and are proved to be toxic, there are some online sites that sell these beads and warn pregnant women and children of being exposed to these heavy metals that may be harmful and affect their health.
Tibetan silver beads differ from other beads which are made of pure silver or even sterling silver as there is a difference between pure silver, sterling silver and Tibetan silver. Pure silver is not harmful, toxic and does not affect our health. It is also shiny and is considered to be the most reflective metal or element and for this reason it is used for creating solar cells, telescopes and even the mirrors that we use.
Sterling silver differs from pure silver as this form of silver contains about 92.5% of pure silver in addition to copper to create a balance. Sterling silver is more common than actual or pure silver and it can also be considered as the most popular form of silver.
So, what about the Tibetan silver beads? Tibetan silver beads are made from a mixture of metals that are plated with silver to seem as if they are made of sterling silver. Tibetan silver beads do not tarnish like those beads which are made of pure silver when they are exposed to air and the sulfur compounds that can be found in it.
Tibetan silver jewelry that is brought to us from the culture of Tibet is believed by Tibetan people to protect its wearer from bad things and diseases, bring good luck, happiness, wealth and peace and it is also believed to remove the fear of death from the wearer’s mind. Tibetan silver jewelry is worn nowadays for being elegant, unique and fashionable. Most of the Tibetan silver jewelry is handmade and this increases the popularity of this type of jewelry and makes it highly desirable and appreciated.
Tibetan silver jewelry can be easily made and this is why there are many people who like creating jewelry through using Tibetan silver beads at their homes. In addition to using Tibetan silver beads for creating fascinating pieces of jewelry, they can be also used for creating accessories in our homes, ornamenting furniture and other purposes in which the Tibetan silver beads can be used with their different shapes, sizes and colors.