Some beads are beautiful simply for their design, but others carry with them a story of resilience, artistry, and history. The Japanese Cherry Brand glass beads are one such treasure — rare relics of a brief yet remarkable moment in time.
Born in a Time of Transition
After World War II, Japan was in a period of rebuilding. In the city of Osaka, farmers and artisans alike sought new ways to support their families. Many turned to bead-making, often working long nights at home while tending rice fields by day.
At the same time, American importers were searching for beads to meet the growing appetite for costume jewelry in the U.S. They arrived in Japan with samples of Venetian and Czechoslovak beads, asking Japanese makers to replicate their beauty. The artisans not only met this challenge but infused the beads with their own precision and artistry.
The result was a line of glass beads collectively branded as “Cherry Brand.” Their signature red cherry label quickly became known as a mark of quality and craftsmanship.
A Short but Brilliant Era
Cherry Brand beads were made during the U.S. occupation of Japan (1945–1952). By 1951, production was at its peak, filling ships bound for America with boxes of glittering beads. But as the occupation ended and global trade shifted, production declined. Within a few short years, the Cherry Brand story had closed, leaving behind only a finite number of these radiant beads.
Treasured Today
What makes Cherry Brand beads so special is not only their exquisite craftsmanship but also their scarcity. Each bead represents a fleeting chapter of history — a moment when artistry blossomed out of hardship. Today, they are highly collectible and cherished by designers and collectors alike.
Maison de Mam’s Connection
At Maison de Mam, we see each Cherry Brand bead as more than just glass. It is a small fragment of resilience, global connection, and creativity. By curating these vintage treasures into our jewelry, we aim to give them a new life — one that honors their past while adding beauty to the present.
When you wear a piece adorned with Cherry Brand beads, you’re not just wearing jewelry — you’re carrying a story.