Rare Idar Oberstein Carnelian Faceted X-Large Trade Beads 38 Inch

This strand of beads comes from Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a historic gem-cutting center with over 500 years of craftsmanship. Located in the Hunsrück Mountains, the town has been at the heart of Europe’s gemstone industry since at least the 14th century. Originally known for its local deposits of agate, jasper, and amethyst, Idar-Oberstein expanded in the 19th century to import gemstones from around the world. The region became particularly renowned for its agate beads, which were widely traded to Africa and the Middle East. Today, the town continues to be a leading center for gemstone cutting, with a legacy of precision, skill, and artistry in every bead.

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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