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Gemstone beads are treasured by many. The power and symbolism of color is central to the cultures of many indigenous tribes in Africa. From the speckled whites and grays of Bauxite Beads which mark the acceptance of a newborn into Krobo society, to the deep reddish brown of Carnelian which symbolizes vitality and fertility, it's no wonder that certain stones are considered invaluable among some tribal cultures. But, African Gemstone Beads aren't just prized for their aesthetic beauty and rarity. Tribes such as the Yoruba also place great value upon certain types of gemstones owing to their former use as early currency. Through early trade routes, there was considerable influx of natural Gemstone Beads such as agate, carnelian and turquoise; stones which were often traded with Yoruban and Bedouin chiefs in exchange for furs, art and slaves.
Unsurprisingly, the collectible value of African Gemstone Beads inspired many artisans to produce counterfeit copies from other less precious materials - the Ancient Egyptians being a great example. After exhausting many of their own turquoise mines, they looked to another material with similar properties: jasper. The vast majority of African Turquoise Beads sold today are produced from this mineral. Bauxite, favored for its reddish-brown marbled appearance, was also used throughout the trade era to produce faux Carnelian Beads, and remains a popular element among native jewelry crafters today.
Take a moment to admire these high-quality Lapis Lazuli Beads. Lapis Lazuli is famous for its beautiful deep blue tones and striking patterns. Lapi...
View full detailsGreat strand of green jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individu...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava, formed from molten rock originating from a volcano eruption. They come in a variety of shapes and si...
View full detailsGreat strand of blue jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individua...
View full detailsGreat strand of blue sea sediment jasper beads. In some traditions, Jasper is said to empower the spirit and provide energy to those who hold it. B...
View full detailsRose Quartz is said to be a stone that represents one’s heart, and is found in varoius areas across the world including Madagascar, Germany, India ...
View full detailsAdd a level of fine craftsmanship to your designs with our White Howlite beads. White Howlite beads make for a great spacer and accent piece in nec...
View full detailsThis beautiful strand of round picture jasper beads features a blend of brown and beige tones. Each bead measures approximately 10 x 10mm, with a h...
View full detailsAmazonite, also known as Amazon stone, was first identified near the Amazon river in South America. These beautiful Amazonite stone beads come in a...
View full detailsFun and easy to work with, these colorful Druzy Agate Stone Beads are a great choice for creative and custom jewelry designs. The name Druzy genera...
View full detailsWhite Jade is a form of Nephrite jade considered by many as a calming and grounding stone. People often believe that it protects its wearer from ne...
View full detailsThese Skull Beads are a great way to add a playful and interesting vibe to your design projects. Each skull bead is skillfully shaped then is dyed ...
View full detailsGreat strand of black jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individu...
View full detailsAmazonite, also known as Amazon stone, was first identified near the Amazon river in South America. These beautiful Amazonite stone beads come in a...
View full detailsGreat strand of sea sediment jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. I...
View full detailsAdmire this great strand of turquoise stone beads. Each bead is made by setting a round stone between two golden brass caps engraved with a pattern...
View full detailsThe clear black and white patterns on the surface of Zebra Jasper resembles the coat of a zebra. Zebra Jasper is often referred to as the ‘Stone of...
View full detailsLabradorite is often referred to as a ‘Stone of Magic’. It is believed by some to help one become more self aware of their emotions and psychic con...
View full detailsThese Skull Beads can help add a playful touch of color to your jewelry design projects. Carved from the stone, these turquoise-hued beads feature ...
View full detailsThese stone beads are made using mookaite jasper. They feature an interesting blend of red, yellow, and orange tones. Each bead measures approximat...
View full detailsTake a moment to appreciate the luxurious hues of these carnelian beads. Commonly referred to as the 'Stone of Confidence', Carnelian beads can mak...
View full detailsAdmire the dark hue of these genuine Black Onyx Beads. Like the darkness of night, these beads can add an element of mystery to your creative desig...
View full detailsAmazonite, also known as Amazon stone, was first identified near the Amazon river in South America. These beautiful Amazonite stone beads come in a...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava, formed from molten rock originating from a volcano eruption. They come in a variety of shapes and si...
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