{"product_id":"watermelon-chevron-venetian-trade-beads-157097","title":"Watermelon Chevron Venetian Trade Beads 34inch","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThese Watermelon Chevron Venetian Trade Beads are barrel-shaped, differing from typically oval-shaped Watermelon beads.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVenetian Chevron beads, considered the most exquisite among Venetian Trade Beads, are produced through a meticulous process involving layering different colored glasses in a 12-point star mold. Also known as \"Rosetta\" and \"Star\" beads, these highly collectible beads evolved from seven layers in the late 1400s to include 8, 9, 10, 3, and 5 layers in subsequent centuries. Global trade, particularly with Dutch traders introducing them in Africa in the late 1400s, led to their widespread popularity. Rare 7-layer Chevrons found in Peru are attributed to Christopher Columbus. While still crafted in Venice, contemporary Chevron bead production is limited, with variations in India and China. Renowned modern Chevron bead makers include Art Seymour in the United States and Luigi Cattelan in Italy. Counting the layers from the innermost to the outermost, typically identified by different colors, Chevron beads continue to be highly sought after globally, symbolizing prestige in Africa where they are worn at ceremonies and even buried with the deceased.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhoto is an example. Yours will be similar. You are purchasing one.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\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.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrand length: 34 inches (includes string\/raffia)\u003cbr\u003eBead size: 6-8mm diameter. See photo with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19mm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e157097\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 157000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52040803221799,"sku":"157097","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_0239_ff23711f-b008-43c0-acd6-3dec14ce3883.jpg?v=1788973011","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/watermelon-chevron-venetian-trade-beads-157097","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}