100 Old Mixed Blue Tile and Seed Trade Bead Strands
Description
100 Strands of Mixed Tile Trade beads, perfect for any crafts and jewelry creations.
"Trade Beads" refer to beads primarily produced in Venice, Bohemia, and other European countries from the late 1400s to the early 1900s, traded in Africa and the Americas. The peak of this trade occurred from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, with the Venetians dominating production. J.F. Sick and Co. and Moses Lewin Levin played significant roles as bead brokers/importers. The beads gained renewed popularity in the late 1960s when exported from Africa to the U.S. and Europe. The term "Trade Beads" became widely used, and they were also known as "Love Beads" during the Hippie era. As demand grew, specific names like "Russian Blues" and "Dutch Donuts" emerged, contributing to the beads' collectability. Today, these beads are highly sought after, with some styles becoming rarer as African traders venture deeper into the continent to find them.
Strand Length - 27-28 inches (including string/raffia)
Bead Size - 3-4mm diameter.
These strands are not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strands can be worn "as is," the string holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.
150239
Approximate Age: Pre 19th Century
Country of Origin: Italy
Length Details
Size Details
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners.