Beads making was an important occupation of the Harappans. They were the skilled bead makers.

Material used for beads making:

(a) Stones --Carnelian, Jasper, crystal, Quartz and steatite,

(b) Metals--Copper bronze and gold and shell and Terracotta or burnt clay were used to make beads

The process of bead making differed according to the materials used the beads had a variety of shapes but not the geometrical shapes like the hardest stone have.

I. First Stage – It was related to shaping the beads, which differed from material to material.

II. Second Stage – It was about colouring the beads, like yellowish raw material was converted into red colour of carnelian by use of Fire.

III. Third Stage - The nodules were chipped for making rough shapes and then they were given the final form.

IV. Final Stage – It included grinding, polishing, and drilling. Chanhudaro, Lothal, and Dholavira specialised in drilling.