African Amber, Caramel Color Cylindrical Beads, 27x20, and 25x19mm, Set of 2
SKU: AFE-867
Sale price
$30.00
Shipping calculated at checkout
Only 1 in stock
Description
- These beads are priced and sold by the set of two
- These are not exactly a pair, but close enough. These vintage beads measure 27x20mm and 25x19mm with 2mm holes
- This shape is rare in west Africa although similar beads, but usually with more rounded ends, are popular in East Africa (Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Egypt)
- 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.