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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.
Admire this beautiful strand of prized African Carnelian beads from Nigeria. These stone beads have been polished to perfection to bring out their ...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Cen...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan Agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsThese unusual beads are individually carved from fossilized Stegodon, an ancient animal from the Proboscidea family. These trunk-bearing mammal cre...
View full detailsWith their standout orange color and chip-style shape, these Carnelian Agate Beads are a great way to bring warmth to your beading projects. These ...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsTake a dive into the deep blue tones of these alluring Lapis Lazuli Beads. Lapis Lazuli Beads are known for their vibrant blue hue and inspiring na...
View full detailsAdmire the details of this exceptional strand of hand-patterned Tibetan Agate beads fashioned in a rondelle shape. Each bead shows its own unique c...
View full detailsBrucite is a mineral that crystallizes and is often found in regions near Afghanistan and Pakistan. These beautiful rough brucite beads maintain th...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Pumket beads from Southeast Asia. Each extra long 44" strand includes a medley of shapes including elongated, r...
View full detailsAdmire these beautiful red jasper beads. Red jasper is a stone that is said to hold powerful physical and spiritual protection. Going back to the t...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these beautiful natural Onyx beads. Their luxurious black color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to every beading ...
View full detailsThese natural gemstone beads are made from the metamorphic rock known as Tiger's eye. Tiger's eye is known for its golden color and silky luster. S...
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 chic Amethyst Beads are a perfect addition to any jewelry design kit. Each strand features beautifully hand-carved beads with a unique leaf s...
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 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 detailsMade from authentic Guatemalita Jade stone, these unique beads have been individually shaped and polished by the native Mayan people of Guatemala i...
View full detailsBeautiful handmade turquoise beads, Beads are graduated. The beads measure 8-23mm in length, 2-3mm thick and the strand is about 16inches long. h...
View full detailsThe rust red tones of these natural Jasper stone beads are rich and distinctive. Older Jasper beads such as these likely traveled across the trade ...
View full detailsThe rust red tones of these natural Jasper stone beads are rich and distinctive. Older Jasper beads such as these likely traveled across the trade ...
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