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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.
These unusual beads are individually carved from fossilized Stegodon, an ancient animal from the Proboscidea family. These trunk-bearing mammal cre...
View full detailsCheck out this amazing strand of stone beads made from "African turquoise", which is sourced from African jasper mines. This brilliant and unique c...
View full detailsTake a moment to admire these truly inspiring Emerald Tibetan Agate Beads. Beads like this are handcrafted and carved by master artisans in the Him...
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 detailsCreek Jasper is a captivating style of jasper known for its vibrant hues of green, red and yellow. It is mainly found in areas of Africa, China and...
View full detailsAdmire this beautiful strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. The brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your jew...
View full detailsGarnet gets it name from the Latin word malogranatum which means pomegranate. In ancient times it was believed that Garnet was a great protection s...
View full detailsTake a moment to admire these beautiful Spessartine Garnet Stone Chunk Beads. If you look closely you will notice that each natural stone has its o...
View full detailsCrazy lace agate, commonly known as Mexican Agate, is believed to have been formed during the cretaceous period, approximately 65-90 million years ...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads. The mineral rich landscape of Asia has been a source of treasured stones for at least thre...
View full detailsThese unique amethyst beads are ideal for adding a cute and playful touch to your next jewelry-making project. Each bead is carved from natural sto...
View full detailsAdmire this beautiful strand of prized African Carnelian beads from Nigeria. These stone beads have been polished to perfection to bring out their ...
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 detailsTake a look at these uniquely patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the special pattern and textur...
View full detailsAdmire the beauty of this unique strand of Nepali coral-style beads. What makes these so unique is the handmade caps found on each end of the bead....
View full detailsAdd a level of fine craftsmanship to your designs with our Turquoise-style stone beads. These beads which are reminiscent of natural turquoise ston...
View full detailsCheck out this great strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. The rustic character of these beads will add an unmistakable accent to your...
View full detailsTake a moment to admire these Snowflake Obsidian Beads. The interesting shape and natural texture will surely add an elegant, eye-catching touch to...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful serpentine beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centr...
View full detailsThese beautiful Amethyst Beads have a gorgeous mix of purple tones that will add an eye-catching look to your designs. Being a Graduated and Carved...
View full detailsCheck out this amazing strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This subtle and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your jewe...
View full detailsUnakite beads are a beautiful combination of green and pink that create a unique, mottled appearance. These semi-precious gemstones are often used ...
View full detailsThese Amethyst Beads are sure to make a bold statement! These gorgeous crystal beads feature a soft and subtle purple tone. They are made from natu...
View full detailsThese unusual stone beads are said to be hundreds of years old. Each bead has been individually shaped from granite stone and arranged nicely as a ...
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