★ A comprehensive guide to the revival of traditional beaded jewelry, written by Nadezhda Rudakova, a seasoned Russian beadwork re-creation artist.
★ Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, she systematically documents the beading traditions of various regions in ancient Rus’—from the distinctions in adornments worn by married women and young girls, to the unique motifs and techniques of each province.
★ The book not only provides detailed instructions on selecting and using beads, tools, and threads, but also reveals a variety of simplified weaving techniques: how to secure and splice weaving threads, and how to decipher complex diagrams.
★ The entire volume features 14 master-level hands-on lessons, covering classic styles such as tassel necklaces, earrings, neck ornaments, and bracelets, accompanied by supplementary illustrations.
★ Perfect for beading enthusiasts, crafting aficionados, and anyone who loves vintage culture!
★ Infuse modern looks with traditional elements! From these beauties refined over centuries, create your very own “talking piece of jewelry” with your own hands!

Russian traditional jewelry is much more than just the grand kokoshnik headdresses, heavy necklaces, and wide belts. Take a closer look—you’ll find that many ancient pieces remain strikingly beautiful even by today’s standards. Accent your outfit with a delicate beaded chain from Tula Province, adorn your dress with a beaded collar from Ryazan Province, and wear long earrings from Arkhangelsk Province at festive occasions.
In this book, you will discover: the history of beaded jewelry in ancient Rus’—which ornaments were worn by married women and unmarried girls, and how provincial traditions differed; a detailed guide to selecting materials and tools: how to choose the right beads, threads, needles, and metal findings; simplified weaving techniques shared by a master with many years of experience: how to secure and join threads, and how to read patterns; 14 step-by-step lessons covering three weaving methods, plus 13 additional diagrams—featuring both historically accurate reproductions and modern designs infused with traditional elements.
Touch living history through this book! The author, Nadezhda Rudakova, has been recreating ancient jewelry for nearly two decades. She firmly believes that beauty refined by time never fades.

[Author] Nadezhda Rudakova
A Russian artist specializing in the reproduction of traditional beaded jewelry, with nearly twenty years of experience. She has traveled to Tula, Ryazan, Arkhangelsk, and other regions, painstakingly reviving ancient beading techniques that had been preserved in folk traditions and integrating them with contemporary aesthetics. This book is the culmination of her many years of dedication, featuring 14 master-level step-by-step tutorials. She firmly believes that beauty refined by time never fades.

Author’s Note …… 3
A Brief History …… 9
Beads …… 17
Who Produces Them? …… 17
Size …… 18
Shape …… 18
What Does the Item Number Tell Us? …… 18
What Are They Woven With? …… 21
Tools and Metal Accessories …… 25
How Should They Be Stored? …… 26
The Workbench …… 27
Little Tips …… 29
Securing Thread Ends …… 29
Joining Weaving Threads …… 30
How to Read a Diagram …… 31

Master Class …… 33
Garus (Tasseled Necklace) …… 35
Garus with a Modern Clasp …… 43
Claspless Garus …… 47
Double-Row Knotted Garus …… 51
Gaitan (Protective Necklace/Belt) …… 57
Narrow Gaitan …… 59
Zigzag-Patterned Gaitan …… 69
Gaitan with a Pendant Box …… 81
Neck Ornaments …… 95
Ring Monister (Multi-Strand Beaded Necklace) …… 97
Beaded Collar …… 107
Ribbon Beaded Collar …… 115
Northern Russian Earrings …… 123
“Wallet-Style” Earrings …… 127
White Sea Summer Shore Earrings …… 133
Chain Earrings …… 141
Mosaic Weaving and Loom Weaving …… 146
Necklace …… 149
Bracelet …… 157

Conclusion …… 167
Acknowledgments …… 169
Glossary …… 171
References …… 175