African Amber, Diamond Shape Warm Butterscotch Color, 28x30mm, Excellent Shape

SKU: JSD-959
Sale price $30.00

Shipping calculated at checkout

Out of stock

Description

  • Rich, warm medium amber color diamond shape African amber bead, 28x30mm
  • This bead is in excellent condition except for a small scar near the center hole on one side. The center holes were drilled so women could wear these in their hair, but they offer us a variety of creative options.
  • 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,  but none can approach the beauty and durability of the original phenolic resins which are now almost 100 years old, and wear it well.
  • From the collection of Joyce Diamanti, bead researcher, writer & educator
  • Only one available