Old Red Carnelian Stone Trade Beads 40 Inch

Carnelian, also known as agate, a semi-precious gemstone, form of chalcedony tinted by iron oxides. It occurs in a range of colors, from milky white to to an earthy red-brown. Carnelian has been used since ancient times as a decorative element in jewelry. Some cultures also saw magical qualities in the stone, believing it could instill courage in battle, promote fertility and cure illnesses.

Historically, carnelian was mined in India or Brazil and then traded around the world. It made its first appearance in Africa when Arab traders began carrying the stone with them on their trips across the Sahara. Carnelian fetched a high price in the bustling trading centers of West Africa and remained a sought-after commodity there, especially among the Fulani, Wodaabe and Tuareg peoples.

Many of the African carnelian beads originated in either India or Brazil, before being brought to Idar-Oberstein in Germany. The Indian beads are typically smaller and their natural state results in a blurred distinction between colors. Beads cut in Idar-Oberstein, however, feature more distinct colors with evident striations.

Idar-Oberstein became famous for its stone-cutting and lapidary expertise when amethyst and agate were found near German towns in the late 14th century. The region utilized the power of the nearby river and advances in chemistry to quickly establish itself in the gem-processing industry, with its workers having closely guarded secrets, such as enhancing the color of agate by soaking it in a solution of melted iron nails.

There are many imitations of I-O beads, most of them products of the Czech-Bohemian bead industries. Occasionally a strand of genuine I-O beads will include a glass fake or two. When you see carnelian beads that seem old but are rounded on the edges, they are probably from India. The most common I-O beads are faceted, but there are also cylinders and a number of other cuts and shapes.

This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the raffia holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.

Strand Length (in): 40 inches (includes string/raffia)
Bead Size: 7-20 mm long. See picture for size comparison.

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