African Trade Beads, Tribal Beadwork, Antique Beads, Afghani Jewelry

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Welcome.

Welcome to The Bead Chest!

We are pleased to offer you our wide selection of ethnic beads and ornaments. All items on this website are hand selected and imported. Take a look around the site and find something you like...there's something for everyone! We're adding new items daily so don't forget to check back, or simply join our mailing list to be notified about new products and great deals.

Thank you and we look forward to serving you!

Red Vaseline Beads

Old Mali Stone

Phono Records (Mixed)

Our Price: $22.50

Our Price: $39.00

Our Price: $12.50

Beautiful strand of red Vaseline beads from West Africa.

Mali Stone beads are said to be centuries old.

Have you ever heard of beads made from recycled phono records? Well, here they are!

Bone Batik (Circular, Swirl Design)

Bohemian Colodonte (White)

Ethiopian Brass Bicone

Our Price: $16.50

Our Price: $25.00

Our Price: $15.00

Circular African bone beads created through the "Batik" wax relief process.

Over 26" of Bohemian glass beads at their best.

A whopping 30" of handmade Ethiopian brass beads.

Antique Green Hearts

Kenya Bone (Small)

Red Venetian Skunk

Our Price: $24.50

Our Price: $12.50

Our Price: $39.00

Beautiful 32" strand of Venetian green hearts.

Brown beads made from Kenya bone.

Red Skunk beads: the not-so-old version of the Venetian "Eye Beads".

November Specials

Venetian Millefiori Beads from African Trade - Mixed Strand

Our Price: $49.99

You are purchasing: (1) BEAUTIFUL Strand of Venetian Millefiore & Mixed Trade Beads This is a lovely strand of old Venetian trade beads from the African trade. The strand measures 27 inches long and has approximately 71 beads ~ the largest bead is approximately 18mm x 12mm. Millefiori Is an Italian word meaning a thousand flowers. Although these beads are know as Millefiori in the U.S., in Venice (and more specifically in Murano where they are made) they are mainly known by the name Mosaic. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica the word millefiori actually refers to a type of glassware with flowerlike patterns. The millefiori bead took its name in the U.S. from this type of glassware that utilizes the same basic design - the miiefiori chip or murrina as it is called in Italian. (taken from Millefiori Beads from the West African Trade, Volume VI, by Picard)

Strand shipped will vary from strand pictured as each strand is unique and contains different beads.