African Beads, Trade Beads, and Antique Beads

African beads, trade beads, and antique beads are collected, worn, and used by many today to create necklaces, earrings, and other pieces of jewelry. Trade beads are handmade beads typically made between the 15th and 20th century. These African beads were originally used as a currency for goods and services. Although our selection of African trade beads and antique beads are almost always imported directly from Africa, a bulk of these beads were made throughout Europe, and used for trade in Africa, hence the term "African trade beads."