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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 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 detailsThis stunning Patterned Tiger Eye Bead is the perfect addition to any jewelry crafting or beading kit. Tiger Eye Gemstones have a deep brown color ...
View full detailsAdmire the details of this exceptional strand of hand-patterned tibetan agate beads fashioned in a oval shape. Each bead shows its own unique chara...
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 detailsThis striking Carved Flower Amethyst Bead makes a great addition to any design project. Made from natural stone with a beautiful purple and marbled...
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 African carnelian beads are some of the more common gemstone beads used in West Africa. Pay close attention and you will see their rich brown...
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 detailsThese beautiful Snowflake Obsidian Beads have been carefully carved from stone to create a unique oval shape. With a sleek black look, these beads ...
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 detailsCommonly termed African Opal, these brown and black stone beads have a rich and bold presence. The natural swirl pattern is reminiscent of chocolat...
View full detailsThese old natural stone beads are found in Nigeria. Populating a wide swath of West Africa, the people of the Fulani tribe have long put high value...
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...
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