Beads are known to be one of the earliest forms of trade between the human race. It is thought that is because of bead trading that humans developed language. Beads are said to have been used and traded for most of our history.
The oldest beads found to date were at Ksar Akil, in Lebanon. Prior to this find, the beads found in the Blombos Cave were the oldest at about 72,000 years old. Round is the most common shape of beads.
The shape of the round beads lay together and is pleasing to the eye. Round beads can be made of glass, stone, ceramic, metal or wood.