{"title":"African Beads","description":"Click on African Beads in the Left Side Menu to quickly access the many the sub-categories of African beads. Use the drop-down menu above to sort  alphabetically, or by price, date, etc. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"coral-vintage-nigerian-tubes","title":"Coral, Antique Nigerian Tubes on Long 32\" Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare antique Nigerian coral tubes 10-20 inches long by 4-5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe size of the branches these beads were made of indicates they're very old\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNice Mediterranean coral color, perfect condition, nice patina, 32-inch strand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral, an organic gem, is the outer skeletons of once-living sea polyps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eValued worldwide by humans for over 10,000 years, coral was treasured by ancient Egyptians and other Africans, Indians, Greeks, and Romans as well as Celtic tribes of northern Europe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMediterranean red-orange coral is most famous.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtect Coral from abrasion, heat, perspiration and cosmetics which can fade the color. Clean with soap and water only, no steam cleaning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Bead-Zone.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39333788680277,"sku":"GMA-44","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/GMA-44.jpg?v=1618686829"},{"product_id":"coral-vintage-nigerian-short-tubes","title":"Coral, Antique Nigerian Beads","description":"\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Nigerian coral beads, largest 10x10mm, 2x3mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMany more small beads than big ones on this 30-inch strand, also more variation in color, and more pitting on the larger beads accounts for lower price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral crowns and other royal coral regalia reiterated the rights of the Oba (Divine king) to rule Benin in southern Nigeria from 1440-1897\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral remains important in Nigerian society today, especially for weddings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral, an organic gem, is the outer skeletons of once-living sea polyps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eValued worldwide by humans for over 10,000 years, coral was treasured by ancient Egyptians and other Africans, Indians, Greeks, and Romans as well as Celtic tribes of northern Europe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMediterranean red-orange coral is most famous.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtect Coral from abrasion, heat, perspiration and cosmetics which can fade the color. Clean with soap and water only, no steam cleaning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Bead-Zone.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39333813125205,"sku":"GMA-46","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/GMA-46.jpg?v=1618687401"},{"product_id":"coral-vintage-nigerian-long-strand","title":"Coral, Antique Nigerian Beads on Extra Long 40-inch Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Nigerian Coral beads, 40-inches long\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLargest beads 10x12 mm, smallest 4x4mm, 10-inch section of 8mm or larger beads. Coral's value is determined by size, color, and condition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood Mediterranean orange to red-orange color, few pitts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral crowns and other royal coral regalia reiterated the rights of the Oba (Divine king) to rule Benin in southern Nigeria from 1440-1897\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral remains important in Nigerian society today, especially for weddings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoral, an organic gem, is the outer skeletons of once-living sea polyps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eValued worldwide by humans for over 10,000 years, coral was treasured by ancient Egyptians and other Africans, Indians, Greeks, and Romans as well as Celtic tribes of northern Europe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMediterranean red-orange coral is most famous.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtect Coral from abrasion, heat, perspiration and cosmetics which can fade the color. Clean with soap and water only, no steam cleaning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Bead-Zone.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39333970608213,"sku":"GMA-45","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/GMA-45.jpg?v=1618691613"},{"product_id":"white-hearts-turquoise-antique","title":"White Hearts, Antique Short Tubes, Turquoise 3mm on 20-inch Strands","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare antique turquoise White Hearts, 3mm diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum strand length 20 inches, excluding raffia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright aqua translucent glass covers a white core giving these beads very rich color.  These are clearly drawn beads and most are sliced mini tubes, but a few have been tumbled to achieve rounded edges like more typical red white hearts. The color is very similar to Nueva Cadiz beads, but I know if they are that old. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-4","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39396038049877,"sku":"AFS-4","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-4.jpg?v=1622471694"},{"product_id":"striped-venetian-slices-7mm","title":"Striped Antique Venetian Glass,  Slices Yellow\/Black\/Red 7mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique striped Venetian drawn beads 7mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic African mustard, brick, and black colors on 30-inch strand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery minimal chips or pitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese beads are made by applying stripes to the outside of a large \"gather\" of glass and blowing it into a long tube. Once cooled, it's sliced into beads\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecause the colors of these striped beads are often made from the same glass as Venetian millifiori or lampworked beads they combine well with them\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese colors, and these beads specifically, are highly prized in West Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-6","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39396362780757,"sku":"AFS-6","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-6.jpg?v=1622495446"},{"product_id":"chevrons-rare-shape-colors","title":"Chevrons, Rare Shape \u0026 Colors","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare, antique watermelon shape Chevron beads 12mm long\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo styles of blue chevrons and very rare version with alternating yellow and clear stripes on the outside with blue and white\/clear layers inside\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChevrons are classic trade beads admired around the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild up in complex star pattern layers and the ends are often ground away to expose the chevron patters. That has not been done with these small beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-9","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39396415307861,"sku":"AFS-9","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-9.jpg?v=1622499721"},{"product_id":"chevrons-light-blue-large","title":"Chevrons, Light Blue (Awalleh) Large","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are particularly large examples of this type of bead at 10mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique strand is 21 inches excluding the raffia, price reflects rare size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition is excellent, only on strand this size available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes called Awale, Awalleh, or similar, spellings vary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice late 1800 to early 1900s\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-11","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39400300576853,"sku":"AFS-11","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-11.jpg?v=1622745155"},{"product_id":"chevrons-blue-small-5mm","title":"Chevrons, Blue Small 5mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Chevrons 5mm diameter on 29-inch strand, excluding raffia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMini chevrons, unground so you don't see the inner layers unless you look at the ends. 4-5mm diameter and about 3mm long. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly two of the many 4-layer chevrons on this strand has ground ends to show the classic chevron pattern, but they are still collectible and since the color matches other antique trade beads perfectly, attractive to designers as well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead more about Chevrons and other classic Trade Beads on our FAQ page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese were made between mid-1800s and early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-13","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39400352874581,"sku":"AFS-13","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-13.jpg?v=1622746785"},{"product_id":"seed-beads-light-blue-3-4mm","title":"Seed Beads, Light blue 3-4mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeed beads, about the size of new size 6 seed beads, on 23-inch strands\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are too regular to be antique. They may be vintage, or newer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-matte finish in a nice cornflower blue that the Fulani are particularly fond of, which is why it's possible that these are new beads that have simply been strung for the African trade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn any case, both the color and the finish work nicely with the Awale beads and some of the blue Watermelon beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39400367784021,"sku":"AFS-20","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-20.jpg?v=1622747321"},{"product_id":"brass-round-braid-openwork-18mm","title":"Brass,Lost Wax Cast Round Braid Openwork 18mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Baule Lost Wax Cast beads from Ivory Coast. Openwork round 18mm with vertical braided rope design.  About 30 beads per 21-inch strand, excluding raffia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach of these beads is first made in wax. The wax is covered by clay, the clay is heated and the wax runs out through openings left for that purpose. Molten recycled metal is poured in. After cooling, the clay mold is broken open and the beads are removed, cleaned, and polished.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn this long, delicate and laborious process it's inevitable that some beads are not perfect, in fact some are pretty funky, but that's normal and taken into account when pricing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-1","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39400540045397,"sku":"AFM-1","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-1.jpg?v=1622756060"},{"product_id":"brass-bicone-openwork-bicones","title":"Brass,Lost Wax Cast Bicones, Ghana, Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLost Wax Cast Bicones from Ghana. Openwork about 15x15mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbout 32 beads per 20-inch strand, excluding raffia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach of these beads is first made in wax. The wax is covered by clay, the clay is heated and the wax runs out through openings left for that purpose. Molten recycled metal is poured in. After cooling, each clay mold is broken open and the individually unique beads are removed, cleaned, and polished.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn this long, delicate and laborious process it's inevitable that some beads are not perfect. That's normal and taken into account when pricing. Flaws are much less noticeable on these smaller beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-2","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39400565932117,"sku":"AFM-2","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-279Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1674663632"},{"product_id":"white-hearts-vintage-red","title":"White Hearts, Vintage 3-5mm Red on 23-inch Stands","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright red vintage White Heart beads, each strand has 3-5mm beads\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrand length, excluding raffia, is at least 23 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are most likely Ethiopian, where the brighter red is preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn West Africa the antique some subdued, sometimes called pink, white hearts are more highly valued.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Bead-Zone.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39402023157845,"sku":"AFS-31","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-31.jpg?v=1622841607"},{"product_id":"millefiori-set-showing-two-techniques","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Set of 2 with Mixed Murrine \u0026 Techniques","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet of 2 Millefiori beads, larger one  33x10mm, holes big enough for leather\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice early 1900s for the African Trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTop bead decorated with hybrid (6 dots) and cased (concentric circles) murrine (slices of patterned canes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLower bead combines two different patterns of composite (bundled) cane slices, indicating earlier date.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth have a lovely patina, but the lower has a chip at one end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead more about Venetian Millefiori\/Mosaic beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFE-15","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39403103191125,"sku":"AFE-15","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFE-15.jpg?v=1622998837"},{"product_id":"millediori-pair-green-cased-design","title":"Millefiori Pair Green Cased Design","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePair of antique Venetian Millefiori beads  35x13mm, excellent condition\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy early 1900s for the African trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNice matched set for jewelry design, or holes are big enough for leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the collector point of view these two illustrate how the pattern can change depending on the marvering (smoothing the patterned case chips into the core of the bead)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFE-20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39403106533461,"sku":"AFE-20","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFE-20.jpg?v=1622999918"},{"product_id":"millefiori-matched-elbow-cylinder","title":"Millefiori, Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Matched Elbow \u0026 Cylinder Yellow","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Millefiori beads, same pattern, different shapes, Elbow 45x13mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHybrid murrine design combines concentric circles with outer stripes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice early 1900s for the African Trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese colors look great with royal blue glass spacers or brick red beads like Red Jasper, holes are large enough for leather, good size for men's necklaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShorter bead is a little banged up, but has the interesting feature of the core bead being completely covered by murrine at one end, while clearly showing at the other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI remember in the early 1970's when almost nothing was known about these so-called \"Goulemine\" beads, some argued that \"real\" or \"old\" Millefiori had no cores. I got a lapidary friend to cut some damaged ones to prove otherwise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead more about Venetian Millefiori\/Mosaic beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFE-24","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39403107778645,"sku":"AFE-24","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFE-24.jpg?v=1623000889"},{"product_id":"millefiori-set-of-two-smaller-elbows","title":"Millefiori, Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Set of Two Elbows","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet of two antique Millefiori elbow beads 37 and 40mm long respectively\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecorated with cased murrine and outer stripes, these beads match #687 in Picards' Millefiori Beads From the African Trade book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElbows make nice bracelets or necklace centerpieces, accent these with blue or brick color spacer to make the amber color pop. Sorry, photo does not show the richness of the colors, especially the amber.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead more about Venetian Millefiori\/Mosaic beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFE-52","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39403111874645,"sku":"AFE-52","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFE-52.jpg?v=1623003043"},{"product_id":"white-hearts-new-8mm","title":"New White Hearts, Round Red 8mm on 20-inch Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew, large White Heart beads 8mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNice deep cherry red color 20 inch strand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNamed for their white core covered by a thin layer of translucent red glass, these beads were traded from Europe to every continent, and known variously as \u003cem\u003eCornaline d'Aleppo\u003c\/em\u003e for their resemblance to carnelian beads coming east from India through Syria and Turkey or \u003cem\u003eHudson Bay Beads\u003c\/em\u003e because early settlers in that area traded them to Native Americans for fur pelts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-35","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404398280789,"sku":"AFS-35","price":9.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-35.jpg?v=1623097511"},{"product_id":"white-hearts-vinatage-new-4-5mm","title":"White Hearts, New Round Red 4-5mm on 22-inch Strands","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite heart beads, some vintage, some probably new 4-5mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright red color, 22-inch stands excluding raffia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNamed for their white core covered by a thin layer of translucent red glass, these beads were traded from Europe to every continent, and known variously as \u003cem\u003eCornaline d'Aleppo\u003c\/em\u003e for their resemblance to carnelian beads coming east from India through Syria and Turkey or \u003cem\u003eHudson Bay Beads\u003c\/em\u003e because early settlers in that area traded them to Native Americans for fur pelts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-34","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404401524821,"sku":"AFS-34","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-34.jpg?v=1623097842"},{"product_id":"ostrich-eggshell-heishi-vintage-7mm","title":"Ostrich Eggshell Heishi, Vintage 7mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery fine vintage strand of Ostrich Eggshell beads 7mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 24-inch strand available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOlder beads have been chipped, filed and sounded down to perfectly matching smooth round discs. These are noteworthy because about a quarter of the strand consists of unusually thin discs, that could be mistaken for clam or snail shell, if not for the large hole that characterize Ostrich Eggshell beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOstrich eggshell beads are among the earliest human adornments, having been made in East and Southern Africa, and traded among different groups, for over 50,000 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey are still being made today in much the same way in South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya, but only older women still wear them, most are now being made for export and not finished as well as the vintage ones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFO-7","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404418236501,"sku":"AFO-7","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFO-7.jpg?v=1623099289"},{"product_id":"brass-forged-large-hole-8mm","title":"Brass, Bicones, Vintage, Truncated, Large Hole 8mm on Long 30-inch Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage forged brass beads 8mm diameter on very long 36-inch strand\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore than 100 beads on this strand, only one available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHole size is at least 3mm, in some it's larger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI think these are Ethiopian, although silver is usually more popular there\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich dark brass color, worn to a nice patina, may be older than vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdges are much smoother than new beads and metal is thicker also\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-35","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404429541461,"sku":"AFM-35","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-35.jpg?v=1623101256"},{"product_id":"brass-rings-small-10mm","title":"Brass, Rings, Nigeria 10mm, on 20-inch Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall brass rings from Nigeria. Inside diameter 3-4mm, outside 10mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e21-inch strands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are fairly heavy, but a few go a long way. I like them to slip over two strands of leather when suspending an Ethiopian cross, a donut or other pendant. I also like them for earrings,  add a bead above or below and maybe a small tassel for lots of volume with little weight. I've also seen some nice designs weaving leather lace or rat tail cord in and out between these rings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-9","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404439634005,"sku":"AFM-9","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-9.jpg?v=1623112584"},{"product_id":"brass-ethiopian-round-8mm","title":"Brass, Round, Ethiopian, Polished,  8mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShiny, new round Ethiopian round Brass beads 8mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong 30-inch strands, large holes about 3mm at least, good for leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuite smooth on the outside and edges are less sharp than most\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese have been laboriously forged from sheet brass, filed and polished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-27","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404454510677,"sku":"AFM-27","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-27.jpg?v=1623105252"},{"product_id":"brass-tuareg-long-bicones","title":"Brass, Tuareg Long Bicone Beads, 40x5mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, elegant Tuareg elongated brass bicones 40x5mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForged beads with engraved designs, 31-inch strand, 20 beads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese add a lot of interest, without much weight to the style of long narrow necklaces that look so great with tunics. Complemented by black, or combined with colors and some small brass beads, these are sure to elevate your look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Tuareg are traditionally nomadic herders who travel the southern Sahara and Sahel regions of West Africa, and famous for their skills as silversmiths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404469813333,"sku":"AFM-20","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-20.jpg?v=1623107464"},{"product_id":"silver-elongated-tuareg-silver-bicones","title":"Silver Long Tuareg  Bicones","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, elegant, Tuareg elongated silver alloy bicones 38 to 40x5mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForged beads with engraved designs, 32-inch strands with 20 beads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese add a lot of interest, without much weight to the style of long narrow necklaces that look so great with tunics. Complemented by black, or combined with colors and some small silver beads, these are sure to elevate your look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Tuareg are traditionally nomadic herders who travel the southern Sahara and Sahel regions of West Africa, and famous for their skills as silversmiths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-19a","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404470599765,"sku":"AFM-19","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-19.jpg?v=1623107645"},{"product_id":"silver-bicones-small-ethiopia-7x6mm","title":"Silver (White Metal), Bicones Small Ethiopia 9x6mm on 30-inch Strands","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall Ethiopian forged coin silver (white metal) bicones 7x6mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong 30-inch strand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver combined with white base metals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerately large holes for their small size .7 to 1mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium weight, light enough for earrings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA nice shape that adds interest, especially to longer necklace. I often use as size 8 seed bead at either end to balance out any unevenness and protect cord from any rough ragged metal ends, although these particular ones are quite smooth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-18","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404488130645,"sku":"AFM-18","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-18.jpg?v=1623109573"},{"product_id":"brass-lost-wax-cast-beehives-small-10mm","title":"Brass,Lost Wax Cast Beehives, Small 10mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrass Lost Wax Cast round \"beehive\" beads 10mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge hole beads (1-2mm) on 21-inch strands (always excluding raffia)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese, and all lost wax cast beads, are initially shaped out of filaments of wax. Each wax bead is individually coated in clay, dried and then fired to let the wax melt out through holes in the clay left for this purpose. Molten brass is then poured into the clay mold. Once it has cooled each mold is broken to release one unique bead. Since the molds can only be used once, no two beads are alike. Grinding removes any extra brass spurs and polishing completes the laborious process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-8","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404518375509,"sku":"AFM-8","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-8.jpg?v=1623112551"},{"product_id":"brass-lost-wax-baslet-beads-12x14mm","title":"Brass,Lost Wax Cast \"Basket\" beads 12x14mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNice mid-size Lost Wax Cast beads, openwork basket shape 12x14mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn 21-inch strands (always not counting the raffia)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge holes make these versatile and the open work cuts down on weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnlike most Lost Wax Cast beads, these have no noticeable flaws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLost Was Casting is a laborious process: Each of these beads is first made in wax. The wax is covered by clay, the clay is heated and the wax runs out through openings left for that purpose. Molten recycled metal is poured in. After cooling, the clay mold is broken open and the individually unique beads are removed, cleaned, and polished. Made in Ghana.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-6","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404525977685,"sku":"AFM-6","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-6.jpg?v=1623113097"},{"product_id":"brass-lost-wax-large-round-20mm","title":"Brass, Lost Wax Cast, Large Round 20mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge round spiral pattern Lost Wax Cast beads 20mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e21 beads on a strand; Made in Ghana\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnlike most lost wax cast beads these have almost no flaws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese make bold statement necklaces that aren't too heavy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlso consider them for home decor: fan pulls, light pulls, blind pulls, etc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these beads is first made in wax. The wax is covered by clay, the clay is heated and the wax runs out through openings left for that purpose. Molten recycled metal is poured in. After cooling, the clay mold is broken open and the individually unique beads are removed, cleaned, and polished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-5","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404530794581,"sku":"AFM-5","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-5.jpg?v=1623113587"},{"product_id":"brass-lost-wax-diamonds-pattern-20mm","title":"Brass,Lost Wax Cast Diamonds Pattern 20mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, Lost Wax Cast diamond pattern beads 20mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge hole beads on 21-inch strands (excluding raffia)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese large, but lightweight beads make stunning statement necklaces with African amber or other large beads, but can also be used around the house for fan pulls, light pulls, blind pulls, etc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach of these beads is first made in wax. The wax is covered by clay, the clay is heated and the wax runs out through openings left for that purpose. Molten recycled metal is poured in. After cooling, the clay mold is broken open and the individually unique beads are removed, cleaned, and polished. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn this long, delicate, and laborious process it's inevitable that some beads are not perfect. That's expected and built into the price. Most people familiar with the process understand that the \"flaws\" distinguish real one-of-a-kind cast beads from mass produced ones, and appreciate the uniqueness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-4","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404535021653,"sku":"AFM-4","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-4.jpg?v=1623114327"},{"product_id":"silver-forged-ethiopian-round-8-9mm","title":"Silver (White Metal) Forged Ethiopian Round 7mm on 28-inch Strands","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver alloy (white metal) Ethiopian forged round beads 7mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong 28-inch strand or large hole beads - nice spacers for leather necklaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are new beads and the edges can be a little rough, but I always try to pick the best ones of the bunch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey shine up nicely with a polishing cloth which means they've got at least some silver in them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFM-e","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39404539838549,"sku":"AFM-3","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFM-3.jpg?v=1623115192"},{"product_id":"white-hearts-antique-mixed-strand","title":"White Hearts, Antique Eye \u0026 Other Beads on 24-inch Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA mixed strand of antique White Hearts, mostly pre-1900s 24 inches total\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 large cylindrical white heart with yellow core, very good condition 25x16mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 round yellow core white hearts all but one in good condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7- post 1890s white heart eye beads (skunk) mixed condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 pre-1890s white heart eye beads (skunk) mixed condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 largish newer white heart with white core, good shape but not symetrical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 inches of white heart, white core, slices pre-1890s in great condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-2","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39405653459029,"sku":"AFT-2","price":179.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-2.jpg?v=1623168442"},{"product_id":"dogon-clear-oblate-round135-15-18mm","title":"Dogon Clear \"Dutch\"  Beads 15-18mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique clear glass European wound beads 15-18mm diameter 24-inch strands\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnown as Dogon beads for the ethnic group in Mali who seem to have liked these a lot. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrands in excellent condition, clean, nice patina, no white gunk from being buried, soft smooth surface, very slight green tinge to the glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEuropean-made 1700s to 1800s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery large holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-4","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39405703495765,"sku":"AFT-4","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-4a.jpg?v=1623171198"},{"product_id":"lampworked-black-white-mixed-strand","title":"Skunk \u0026 Zen, Antique Venetian Lampwork Black \u0026 White Mixed Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork black \u0026amp; white eye beads (skunk) 12mm,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor collectors: Besides the skunks, this strand has some other interesting beads including eye beads with color,  four \"zen\" or \"6\" beads, one lampwork with cross and dots, one white eye bead (in poor condition) and one black Prosser bead painted to look like a skunk!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 36-inch strand available, 82 beads most in perfect condition, older multi-color eye beads show a little wear, but no chips and almost no pits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor designers: Like most trade beads these have holes big enough for leather,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe round B\u0026amp;W eye beads are perfect for earrings, and multi-strand necklaces of mixed black and white beads have been some of my best sellers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-22","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39405711032405,"sku":"AFT-22","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-22Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623532348"},{"product_id":"lampwork-tic-tac-toe-beads","title":"Tic Tac Toe Beads, Antique Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork beads with Tic Tac Toe pattern  18x13\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e28-inch strand, 41.5 beads most in great condition; Made mid-1800s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePink and white laticcino creating boxes around the \"eyes\"; a couple have \"fried egg\" dots with yellow in the middle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne half bead (often interesting to see what's inside), one with a bad pit where bubble had been, one with a lot of the design worn off (smoothly through long-term wear, not with grinding) and a few with chips at the ends, otherwise these are perfect beads that could easy fetch $$ individually\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI haven't seen a strand like this on the market in decades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigners, I've strung these with clam or ostrich eggshell or black coco shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-6","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39405848592469,"sku":"AFT-6","price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-6.jpg?v=1623182415"},{"product_id":"lampwork-king-beads-green-graduated-strand","title":"King Beads Green Graduated Strand of Antique Venetian Lampwork Beads","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork green King beads 29-inch strand\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour main sizes of beads 20mm, 18mm, 16mm,  and 14mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"French Cross\" design in yellow, red and black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNice patina and just a few small pits and nicks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a designer, I've used these in short statement necklaces with African Amber, large Mali Brass bicones and Czech glass or black coconut shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors, if you want more pix just let me know via the Contact Us link\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-19","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39405915570261,"sku":"AFT-19","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-19.jpg?v=1623188085"},{"product_id":"lampwork-black-eye-beads-skunk-10-14mm","title":"Skunk (Eye) Beads, Antique Venetian Lampwork Strand 10-14mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork black Eye beads sizes range from 10-14mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlmost all \"eyes\" have old rosy white heart color dots inside them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe beads are in excellent condition on 23-inch strands, at least 50 beads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice 1800s through early 1900s\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese classic beads combine nicely with older white hearts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtra pix available on request thru Contact Us. This is mostly a one-woman operation so I've settled for one shot to start, but will take more if needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-18","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39408378806357,"sku":"AFT-18","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-18.jpg?v=1623242569"},{"product_id":"lampwork-king-black-amber-15mm","title":"King Beads,  Antique Venetian Lampwork, Black with Yellow 15mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork black King beads 15mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 27-inch strand available, no broken beads almost no pits\/chips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a designer I'd use every one of the 49 beads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy 1800s through early 1930s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFind out more about African Trade beads in the African Beads Resource section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39408379494485,"sku":"AFT-20","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT_20.jpg?v=1623242691"},{"product_id":"lampwork-venetian-king-beads-amber-15-20mm","title":"King Beads, Antique Venetian Lampwork, Yellow 15-20mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork King Beads (bicones) 15-20mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one extra long 37-inch strand available, 59 beads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition is mixed some perfect beads, some showing considerable wear and a lot in the middle. I'm happy to send more photos. Request them via Contact Us please.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis style bead was made in Venice, Italy from mid-1800s to early 1900s. I believe the \"S\" pattern identifies these as being early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-23","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39409120215125,"sku":"AFT-23","price":345.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-23a.jpg?v=1623272139"},{"product_id":"ancient-quartz-disc-beads","title":"Rock Crystal Rough Disc Beads, Ancient African","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAncient African Rock Crystal disc beads 3mm thick and 8-12mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26-inch strands, some beads have a hint of pink color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome say these are up to 7000 years old, others that they are 300-1000 years old, I don't know and would appreciate more info if anyone knows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are thin slices so it's hard to tell, especially without cutting the strand, but the thicker ones do seem to have conical perforations, indicating the holes were ground rather than drilled. On the thinnest slices it's hard to tell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFO-35","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39409225236565,"sku":"AFO-35","price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-25.jpg?v=1623280895"},{"product_id":"drawn-beads-aja-slices-dark-blue-9-12mm","title":"Aja (Striped Discs) Dark Blue 9-12mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian drawn bead slices called Aja, 1-2mm thick by 9-12mm diameter. These feature dark blue base with fine red and white stripes plus a few bonus green and yellow ones at the back\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 25-inch strand available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy, most likely early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo make these beads, striped glass canes are drawn out to great length while still soft. Once they've cooled they are sliced into sections just 1-2mm long, and these are heated until the edges are nicely rounded and smooth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors value these, and as a designer I like them too. I \"frame\" focal beads like amber, large brass bead and trade beads, with slices and thin rondells of various sizes. Aja beads take those \"frames\" to a whole new level, adding interest by picking up colors in the focals, often made of the same glass. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-41","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39409335959637,"sku":"AFT-41","price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-41.jpg?v=1626782781"},{"product_id":"drawn-beads-aja-slices","title":"Aja (Striped Discs), Antique Venetian Mixed Colors 10-14mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian drawn bead slices called Aja, 1-2mm thick by 10-14mm diameter. Three of my favorite colors all on one strand: Brick with yellow, Black w\/ white and red, and blue with white and red. There's something here to go with most Venetian trade beads and they're the perfect size too.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 22-inch strand. I bought these in the early 1990s as part of a Philadelphia  collector's estate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy, most likely early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo make these beads, striped glass canes are drawn out to great length while still soft. Once they've cooled they are sliced into sections just 1-2mm long, and these are heated until the edges are nicely rounded and smooth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors value these, and as a designer I like them too. I \"frame\" focal beads like amber, large brass beads and glass trade beads, with multiple slices and thin rondells of various sizes. Aja beads take those \"frames\" to a whole new level, adding interest by picking up colors in the focals, often made of the same glass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-42","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39409344643157,"sku":"AFT-42","price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-42.jpg?v=1623283147"},{"product_id":"millefioi-multi-colored-chevron-design","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Matched Multi-colored Chevron Murrine","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNearly all beads are matched 8-layer multi-color chevron pattern 12x8mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnd of these beads are cut at an angle to fit together in a circle for a bracelet or necklace. They are all in excellent condition\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn addition there are some short beads of a gorgeous hybrid pain pattern, but some of these are chipped.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are also two beads that combine mosaic chips and bands of color and one made with composite cane slices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 29-inch strand available, 60 beads total\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead more about Millefiori in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-31","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410301304917,"sku":"AFT-31","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-31Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623333797"},{"product_id":"millefiori-matched-olive-shape-star-design","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads,  Matched Strand Olive Shape Star Design","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare antique Venetian Millefiori trade beads, olive shape, star design 15x10mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 24-inch strand available; 48 beads, only one chipped\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAngled ends make these perfect for bracelets or necklaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare star pattern is collectible, these are in excellent conditon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy late 1800s to early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead more about Venetian glass trade beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ page.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-33","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410317099093,"sku":"AFT-33","price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-33Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623334917"},{"product_id":"millefiori-small-matched-beads-hybrid-design","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Strand of Matched Small Beads","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Millefiori trade beads, matched small beads 10x7mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 26-inch strand available, 66 beads, all but one in perfect condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy 1800s to early 1900s, Bought in Ivory Coast 1971\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese little beads make great earrings, bracelets or mini focals in long necklaces of even small beads, like seed beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the collector, these beads exhibit in miniature the artistry of millefiori The complex hybrid canes combine layers of alternating cased glass with the addition of a ring of tiny white canes, which create either points, or stripes, on the finished bead depending on how they were applied or marvered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead more about Millefiori and other classic African Trade Beads in the African Bead Resources Section on our FAQ Page\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-36","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410366218325,"sku":"AFT-36","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-36Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623337294"},{"product_id":"millifiori-bright-yellow-small","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Matchd Strand of Small Bright Yellow","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Millefiori matched trade beads, small 10x7mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 23-inch strand available, 63 beads, most in great condition, about 3 have major chips and a few more have small ones\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy in the early 1900s for the African trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe bright yellow color indicates they were made after the 1890s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese make cute small earrings, or bracelets, or add a pop of color to your other designs.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead more about Venetian Millefiori and other classic trade beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-44","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410434834517,"sku":"AFT-44","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-44Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623533979"},{"product_id":"lampwork-tic-tac-toe-beads-asst-sizes","title":"Tic Tac Toe Beads, Antique Venetian Lampwork, Assorted Sizes","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork \"tic tac toe\" beads 14x9 to 19x12mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one short 22-inch strand available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy mid- to late 1800s for the African trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese overall in excellent condition, clean, with the smooth finish of well-worn beads, only one bead has chip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese are clearly the work of various makers over a period of time, and show subtle changes in glass quality, color, and expressions of the design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-3","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410665259093,"sku":"AFT-3","price":190.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-3Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623356102"},{"product_id":"lampwork-antique-venetian-yellow-rattlesnake","title":"Rattlesnake and Bumble Bee, Antique Venetian Lampwork Yellow \u0026 Black Beads","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Lampwork yellow Rattlesnake 9x14mm \u0026amp; Bumble Bee beads \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 27-inch strand available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeads are well worn to a smooth finish, but without chips, pits, or cracked surface trailing, etching or grinding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy mid- to late 1800s for the African trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor designers, these work well with many other trade beads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis strand of 66 yellow rattlesnake beads includes expressions of this popular design produced by many different hands, likely over many decades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBonus: 3 bumble bee beads and two black \u0026amp; yellow striped beads at the back\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-13","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410679808085,"sku":"AFT-13","price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-13Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623357342"},{"product_id":"millefiori-long-strand-of-small-green-10x7mm","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Long Strand of Matched Green 10x7mm","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Millefiori trade beads, matched strand of small green beads 10x7mm with angled ends so that they work best strung in a curved shape\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one extra long 32-inch strand available, 96 beads, only a very few small chips\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy between late 1800s and early 1900s for the African trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurface decoration blends cased murini with green center band\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead more about Venetian Millefiori and other classic trade beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-27","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410785484885,"sku":"AFT-27","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-27aBead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623366227"},{"product_id":"millefiori-matched-strand-all-composite-cane-murrine","title":"Millefiori Antique Venetian Trade Beads, Matched Strand Blue, Brick \u0026 Yellow","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique Venetian Millefiori trade beads, medium size 18x12mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll but two small beads at one end of the strand were decorated with slices (murrine) of bundled (Composite) canes. This was the earliest method for making beads of this type.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one 29-inch strand available; 39 beads, great condition, only two silghtly chipped at the ends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Venice, Italy during early 1800s for the African trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe fuzzy edges on the design show that these beads are older than most millefiori beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a designer I always hunted for matched strands without broke beads, they're almost impossible to find these days\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead more about Venetian Millefiori and other classic trade beads in the African Bead Resources section of our FAQ Page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFT-30","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39410901680213,"sku":"AFT-30","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFT-30Bead-Zone.com.jpg?v=1623370069"},{"product_id":"white-hearts-vintage-3-4mm","title":"White Hearts, Vintage Red 3-4mm on 23-inch Strand","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage White Heart beads 3-4mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e23-inch strands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Europe after 1890s for trade with Africa and other developing regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinguishable from new white hearts by variations in size, shape, and color of the beads. Antique white hearts are a soft pinkish red. Vintage and New White hearts are bright red, but Vintage ones vary in size and shape as well as somewhat in color, while new ones are identically shaped and sized.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNamed for their white core covered by a thin layer of translucent red glass, these beads were traded from Europe to every continent, and known variously as \u003cem\u003eCornaline d'Aleppo\u003c\/em\u003e for their resemblance to carnelian beads coming east from India through Syria and Turkey or \u003cem\u003eHudson Bay Beads\u003c\/em\u003e because early settlers in that area traded them to Native Americans for fur pelts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeveloped in the 1600s, and produced in Italy, Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and France, they had a lovely soft red color until selenium replaced gold in the mix in 1890s, giving them a much brighter red. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AFS-33","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39412229570645,"sku":"AFS-33","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/products\/AFS-33Bead-Zone.com_1.jpg?v=1623403130"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/collections\/Africa_cat_pic_lighter.jpg?v=1629321345","url":"https:\/\/www.beadazzled.com\/collections\/african-beads\/small-strands.oembed?page=6","provider":"Beadazzled.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}