Flat Ended Venetian Blue Trade Beads 30 Inch
Description
The term "Trade Beads" typically applies to beads made predominately in Venice and Bohemia and other European countries from the late 1400s through to the early 1900s and traded in Africa and the Americas. Many of these beads have been attributed to being made in Germany, France and the Netherlands as well.
The heyday of this "trade" period was from the mid 1800s through the early 1900s when millions of these beads were produced and traded in Africa. The Venetians dominated this market and produced the majority of the beads sold during this time. The J.F. Sick and Co, based in Germany and Holland was one of the largest bead brokers/importers during this period. Moses Lewin Levin was a bead importer/exporter who operated out of London from 1830 to 1913.
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.
The photos are just an example. Yours will be similar.
Strand Length: 30 inches (includes string/raffia)
Bead Size: 7-8 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19mm diam
152554
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Venetian
Country of Origin: Europe
Length Details
Size Details
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners.