African Amber, Barrel Shapes, Small, Light Amber Color from Kenya, 20x10mm, Set of 4

AFE-849

Regular price $39.00

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  • These beads are priced and sold by the set of 4
  • Set includes39 two pairs of Kenyan amber beads, small enough for earrings
  • The barrel shape and the slightly darkened ends are typical of the East African amber beads. They came form the same source as the oblates in west Africa, but the shape was adapted to local preferences.
  • The material these vintage/antique beads are made of is an early synthetic called phenolic thermosetting resin. It was developed in 1910. Bakelite is the best known brand among several European manufacturers producing faux amber beads, jewelry and household products before World War II.
  • Phenolic resin amber beads probably started coming to Africa as a substitute for real Baltic amber in the 1920s and 1930s and trade lasted into the 1950s according to recent research by Rosanna Falabella.
  • Several generations of newer resin beads have followed, some better than others, at a variety of prices, but none can approach the beauty and durability of the original phenolic resins which are now almost 100 years old, and wear it well.