{"product_id":"cobalt-blue-padre-bohemian-trade-beads-156793","title":"Cobalt Blue Padre Bohemian Trade Beads","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Padre beads,\" small glass beads used as currency in colonial-era trade between Europeans and Native Americans, were named after Spanish priests (padres) who distributed them during missionary activities. Originating from Venetian glassmakers in the 15th century, these intricate and colorful beads were highly valued in African and Asian markets, becoming a popular currency in trade with indigenous Americans. While initially crafted in Venice, production expanded to France and Germany in the late 19th century, resulting in larger sizes and diverse colors and designs. Native Americans prized Padre beads for decoration and wealth symbolism, adorning clothing and items while signifying social status. Today, these beads remain coveted by collectors and Native American art enthusiasts, maintaining relevance in contemporary artistic creations, and infusing history and tradition into modern works.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis strand is an example. Yours will be similar. You are purchasing one strand if purchased.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eStrand Length: 25 inches (includes string\/raffia)\u003cbr\u003eBead Size: 8-10mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19mm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e156793\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 156000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51919360262439,"sku":"156793","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_8036_0e7cabd8-27ad-4656-88ea-7b27f0f13555.jpg?v=1787587397","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/cobalt-blue-padre-bohemian-trade-beads-156793","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}