Red White Heart 3-4mm Venetian Trade Beads

White Heart Beads, also known as "Hudson's Bay Beads," was a type of Venetian Trade Bead that was produced in Venice, Italy, from 1805 to 1900. Although highly collectible, these two-tone beads are comparatively plain compared to other popular trade beads of the time, such as Millefiori Beads.

They have an off-white or light yellow core covered by a layer of scarlet, orange, or dark red glass. Historical evidence suggests that the vivid red color of some White Heart Beads was achieved by adding gold oxide to the glass.

In the 19th century, White Heart Beads were extensively traded throughout Africa and North America.

Venetian White Heart Beads typically have a round or oval shape, but there is evidence to suggest that both the French and Czechs produced similar beads in a wide variety of shapes and sizes during the 19th century. While Green Heart Beads resemble White Heart Beads in appearance, they usually have a green or grayish core.

Trade beads, often made of glass, were crucial in historical trade between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They were more than just decorative items; they served as currency, symbols of status, and carriers of cultural stories. Produced mainly in Europe, these beads gained immense popularity in Africa, where they were exchanged for valuable resources. Today, these beads are cherished by collectors and artists alike for their beauty, historical significance, and the stories they tell about global trade and cultural exchange.

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.

Photo is an example. Yours will be similar.