How to Collect Mardi Gras Beads

Look for Mardi Gras beads with a label from the former Czechoslovakia. Beads from this country were first introduced to the festival in the 1920s and were used up to the 1960s. The earlier beads usually included a silver- or bronze-look clasp that let the wearer open the necklace instead of sliding it over their head.

Check the length of the string and look for any signs that the string is longer than the beads. Some sellers take older beads and string them together on new string and then sell the beads as antiques. Sellers also do this when old beads break and need restringing.

Buy glass beads from Japan. These beads were thrown out at Mardi Gras events in the 1950s and 1960s. These beads usually incorporate darker shades and beads of two different sizes and shapes such as round beads used in between oval beads.

Gather newer beads when you visit Mardi Gras. Today the beads used are plastic rather than glass, but are still highly collectible. You also have the chance to get beads for free and find a variety of different shapes, colors and styles in one place.

Visit Magazine Street in New Orleans and look for beads in antique shops. The best time to look is during Mardi Gras when the shops bring out many different items relating to the event, including beads and masks. These beads are often in good condition and include information on when and where the set was made.