The article focuses on current approaches for the preservation of the most common North American beads, namely glass beads. The first step in the conservation effort is to characterize the beaded object. Handling should be minimized to prevent exposure of the beadwork to moisture, salts, acids, and soils on human skin. Exhibits present particular problems, such as damaging methods of support and excessive exposure to light. Beads that are beginning to show signs of chemical decomposition should be kept in low relative humidity environments. Cleaning may aggravate damage in such cases. Alternative methods of cleaning are discussed. Restoration by replacing beads may not always be desirable because it may obscure the original intent of the maker and confuse future research efforts.