Red White Hearts 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 are a timeless symbol of international commerce, with a production and sale period spanning from the late 1400s to the early 1900s. Mostly crafted in Venice and Bohemia with a few other European countries making their contribution, these beads were particularly popular in Europe in the mid-1800s. J.F. Sick and Co. of Germany and the Netherlands was the primary bead importer/broker of the time, as well as London's Moses Lewin Levin from 1830 to 1913. During the "hippie" days of the late 1960s, the millefiori beads were referred to as "Love Beads" and popularly used in Peace Symbol necklaces. Nowadays, they still bear the same name, and we marvel at their incredible journey through continents and centuries, and wonder who wore them before us and who will have them after.

A few chips on the beads. See the picture for reference. 

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.