11 White Faux Chevron Trade Beads

Venetian chevrons are some of the most sought-after and valuable beads in the world. These faux chevrons imitate the originals in size and shape and have a sleek bone-white surface that is beautiful in its own right.

Venetian Chevron beads are highly regarded as the most beautiful and collectible among Venetian "Trade Beads." Produced through a multi-step process involving layering different colored glasses in a 12-point star mold, Chevron beads are also known as "Rosetta" and "Star" beads. The earliest versions from the late 1400s had seven layers, evolving over time to include 8, 9, and 10 layers in the 1500s, and later 3 and 5 layers in the 1600s-1700s. The peak production in the late 1800s and early 1900s featured 4 and 6-layer beads.

Chevron beads, traded globally, gained popularity in Africa, with Dutch traders introducing them in the late 1400s. Some rare 7-layer Chevrons found in Peru are attributed to Christopher Columbus. Although still crafted in Venice, production is limited, with variations in India and China. Renowned contemporary Chevron beadmakers include Art Seymour in the United States and Luigi Cattelan in Italy.

Counting Chevron layers is from the innermost (around the perforation) to the outermost layer, typically identified by different colors. Despite challenges, Chevron beads remain popular globally, with significant private collections in Africa, Europe, and America. In Africa, they signify prestige, are worn at ceremonies, and are even buried with the deceased.

This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand 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.

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