The Bead Society, Los Angeles was founded in 1975 by an enthusiastic group of bead collectors, jewelery designers, importers and scholars. At that time, a wealth of old trade beads and ethnic jewelry was being brought into Los Angeles from countries around the world. Because so little bead information existed at that time, the founders felt the need to share their research and study as well as having the opportunity to show their collections and ideas. Soon membership was opened to others interested in beads and The Bead Society quickly grew. The same is true today, society members still meet and share their ideas, finds and knowledge through the monthly meetings, newsletter and bead bazaars organized by the Bead Society.

In 1985 The Bead Society sponsored the first International Bead Conference in celebration of its tenth anniversary.

In 2004 The Bead Society of Los Angeles made bead history with the screening of Diana Friedberg’s documentary WORLD ON A STRING at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The first part of this four-part series The Eternal Bead was shown to an invited audience of more than 500 people. No other Bead Society has ever embarked on such a huge project. Diana Friedberg’s original idea became a reality with a generous grant from the Bead Society of Los Angeles. Other contributors added their support of this important project.