Most of us are familiar with what lanyards are but may not be conversant with the term. A lanyard is the cord or strap that is worn around the neck to hold an identification badge, whistle, keys or other small object. It can be worn around the neck, arm, waist or wrist.

When worn around the wrist, a lanyard is often referred to as a "wristlet." Lanyards have become increasingly popular for their ability to keep important objects close at hand while simultaneously keeping hands free.

Lanyards are used to display identification cards as also for carrying cell phones pens and eyeglasses. Neck lanyards come in different materials nylon, rope, polyester, lace, beaded lanyards, custom printed lanyards and decorative lanyards.

Lanyards are used nowadays almost everywhere by businesses, schools, hospitals, at special events, conventions, and in many recreational activities. Lanyards come in various colors and types with different hardware attached at the bottom for holding an ID badge, whistle or the like.

Lanyards are typically made of cord, cotton, nylon or polyester twill. The cord type is the least expensive. The strap-type lanyards can be made of cotton, polytwill or nylon and are often printed with a company or team name, product or logo.

There are a wide variety of lanyards to choose from depending on your preference. Let us consider the popular beaded lanyard patterns. Beaded lanyards are much like jewelry. Colorful and top quality beaded lanyards made for excellent badge holders and eyeglass holders.

TYPECAST: Beaded lanyards can be as simple as inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They feature a variety of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several different lengths and an array of colors.

However, other beaded lanyards are quite unique. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.

JEWELS AHOY: Some forms of beaded lanyards are quite unique and take the form of jewelry. They are often designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. Beaded lanyard patterns may consist of colorful patterns of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.

Beaded lanyards made of blue, black or multi-colored beads accented with silver and gold are a special kind, which are quite popular. Exquisite beaded lanyards made of Swarovski crystals or semi-precious beads are available for the discerning wearer. Whatever is your preference you can be sure to get beaded lanyards with a distinctive style to coordinate and complement your attire, and as per your preference.

ART TIME: Beaded lanyards can be artistic like creations with sparkling crystals or colored plastic, or even metallic beaded chains. The two types on beads on a wire make a beautiful impression. Some of the most spectacular types of this combination form a special form of jewel lanyard.

Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard patterns are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings. This is an ultimate in co-ordinated fashion accessories.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: The most popular variety of beaded lanyards are used to hang glasses around the neck. These lanyards allow the glasses to hang around the neck when not in use. Such neck lanyards are called eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders.

Remember that beaded lanyards are often fragile. They may look elegant, but are not durable. So, when putting your glasses on a beaded lanyard, do check its durability.

Whatever type of beaded lanyard pattern you choose, they are attractive and eye catching and make a fashion statement of a different kind. So choose that beaded lanyard you have always wanted.