Blue Striped Melon Venetian Trade Beads
Description
Blue Striped Melon Venetian Trade Beads embellished with yellow stripes. These beads are expertly crafted with care and precision, showcasing vibrant blue stripes that are beautifully offset by accents of yellow.
Melon trade beads are a type of glass bead with distinctive ribbed or melon-like patterns. Originating from Venice, Italy, in the late 15th century, these beads became highly sought after in the African trade. Their intricate designs, often resembling watermelon or pumpkin seeds, made them valuable and culturally significant. Melon beads played a role in economic exchanges, serving as a form of currency, and were also utilized in traditional African jewelry, clothing, and ceremonies. Today, they are cherished not only for their historical significance but also for their vibrant colors and enduring popularity in contemporary jewelry designs.
Photo is an example. Yours will be similar. You are purchasing one.
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.
Strand Length - 21 inches (including string/raffia)
Bead Size - 7-8mm diameter. See the photo with the penny for size comparison.
149900
Approximate Age: Late 19th-Mid 20th Century
People: Venetian
Country of Origin: Italy