8am-4pm PST
8am-4pm PST
African beads were first produced as a form of currency for native inhabitants all across the continent of Africa centuries ago, and are now appreciated world wide by thousands of bead collectors, wearers, and enthusiasts. What draws people to trade beads is not only their elegance and beauty in craft, but the experience and history that comes along with each bead. While African bead makers continue to create new beads today, many of the items we offer have traveled long distances and years of existence to arrive where they are today.
We carry a large selection of high quality, authentic trade beads. Hundreds of strands in stock, including glass trade beads, antique african trade beads, vintage venetian trade beads, Chevron trade beads, czech trade beads, and more.
Trade Beads are beads that have been used as a form of currency for the exchange of goods and services especially in West Africa. Some of the more common items that these beads were bartered for include ivory, gold, slaves, and other goods that were in demand by Europeans and colonial overlords. Trade beads were made throughout Europe, however their production was concentrated in Venice and Bohemia where the secrets of glass bead production were a carefully guarded secret. The high demand for European beads in Africa can be attributed to the cultural value put by African peoples on decorative items. Jewelry items could add to the status of the owner and could be passed on to future generations as a symbol of wealth.
Interestingly, trade beads were also used for trade in the New World. The important role that they played is illustrated by the legend that the Dutch purchased the island of Manhattan from local Native American tribes for several strands of beads. It is believed that Christopher Columbus used glass Trade Beads for barter during his early voyages. Later, Spanish explorers and European fur traders and American explorers such as Lewis and Clark used Trade Beads to facilitate interactions with local peoples and to procure goods. Today, African beads used in the trade are considered highly collectible items.
A wide variety of Trade Beads were produced between the 16th and 20th centuries. One of the most celebrated bead designs is the Millefiori Bead from Venice that was named after the characteristic flower pattern on its surface. The methods used to make these and other beads are a testament to the innovation of Venetian artisans. African artisans subsequently copied glass cane beads such as the Millefiori using powdered glass techniques to produce indigenous African Kiffa Beads with similar patterns. Additional well-known varieties of trade beads include Chevrons, Dogon Beads,Vaseline Beads, Russian Blue Beads, Skunk Beads and many others.
Today, Trade Beads are world-renown for their rich legacy and aesthetic beauty. While African Trade Beads have long been highly regarded in African culture, their appreciation in Western countries continues to grow both among bead collectors and artists as well as bead enthusiasts alike.
Add a vibrant touch to your jewelry making projects with these Translucent Glass Beads. Each bead boasts a see-through quality that looks stunning ...
View full detailsBrighten up your jewelry designs with the vibrant allure of these Yellow Padre Beads. Crafted from glass these stunning beads feature a rich, yello...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these nicely crafted White Padre Beads. The marbled white patterns will add a chic and timeless look to your creative design ...
View full detailsEnhance your jewelry projects with these earthy Amber Brown Glass Padre Beads. Featuring a beautiful translucent quality, these beads look lovely i...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these beautiful Carnation Pink Padre Beads. These glass beads come in a useful round shape making them a great option to use ...
View full detailsInfuse your designs with the vibrant energy of our beautiful Yellow Padre Beads. The vivid yellow color is accented by a subtle marbled pattern tha...
View full detailsCraft jewelry that radiates effortless beauty with our Padre Beads. These glass beads have an interesting pink and white marbled pattern that will ...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these subtle Pale Blue Padre Beads. Each bead has a pastel cloud-like blue hue accented by a darker blue stripe down its cent...
View full detailsCreate a bold look with our Coral Red Padre Beads. These vibrant red beads offer an interesting balance of intensity and subtlety. The matte textur...
View full detailsThese versatile black padre beads are sure find more than one place in your jewelry creations. Great for bracelets, necklaces and more! Individual ...
View full detailsElevate your design style with our versatile glass Padre Beads. These handcrafted beads have a warm and inviting caramel-brown tone and color gradi...
View full detailsStep into a world of bold contrasts with our striking Red and White Padre Beads. Each glass bead showcases a deep, bold red that seamlessly blends ...
View full detailsThese Cobalt Padre Beads can add a vibrant and dynamic look to almost any design project. Great for crafting bracelets, necklaces, and earrings tha...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these striking Green Padre Beads. These glass beads feature a soothing green base accented with a distinctive dark green stri...
View full detailsAdd a touch of translucent texture to your creative projects with these beautiful Aqua Padre Beads. Great for creating a stylish vibe for your jewe...
View full detailsCheck out these lovely Sage Green Padre Beads. Each bead has a nice soft sage tone with a darker green stripe down the middle of each bead that cre...
View full detailsHere we have a lovely strand of antique copper metal beads. These handcrafted beads are great for a lot of different jewelry design techniques and ...
View full detailsImbue your creations with a touch of delicate elegance with our beautiful Rose Padre Beads. The soft and translucent rose hue brings a gentle touch...
View full detailsAdmire these earthy Green Padre Beads. Made from glass, each bead has a lush olive green tone and a beautiful translucent look. These beads have a ...
View full detailsAdd the tranquil beauty of the sky to your jewelry design projects with these great Blue Padre Beads. These artisan glass beads feature a serene bl...
View full detailsDive into the refreshing beauty of our Aqua Green Padre Beads. Each bead features a mesmerizing blend of colors, reminiscent of the sea's tranquil ...
View full detailsDive into the deep elegance of our stylish Teal Padre Beads. The matte finish of each bead enhances their appearance while adding a contemporary fl...
View full detailsAdd a touch of subtle color to your design projects with these useful glass Padre Beads. Each bead showcases an interesting beige-toned gradient wi...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these beautiful Dark Blue Padre Beads. Notice the interesting white-marbled cloud-like pattern that accents the deep blue ton...
View full details