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Gemstone Beads

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.

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Lapis Lazuli Tiny Cylindrical Heishi Beads (2mm)

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These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of the highest quality Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 11 inches long with be...

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Tiny Lapis Lazuli Heishi Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
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Tiny Lapis Lazuli Heishi Beads (2mm)

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These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of the highest quality Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 12-15 inches long with...

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Medley of Afghan Gemstone Beads - The Bead Chest Save 20% Save %
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Medley of Afghan Gemstone Beads

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From the mountains of Afghanistan, this exciting medley includes a wide variety of delightful beads including lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade and oth...

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Mixed Afghan Turquoise Beads (3.5mm) - The Bead Chest Save 25% Save %
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Mixed Afghan Turquoise Beads (3mm)

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Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from the brilliant Turquoise sto...

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Byzantine Blue Cylindrical Afghan Turquoise Heishi Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Byzantine Blue Cylindrical Afghan Turquoise Heishi Beads (3mm)

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Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centra...

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Tiny Blue Turquoise Stone Saucer Heishi Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Tiny Blue Turquoise Stone Saucer Heishi Beads (3mm)

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Take a moment to appreciate the colorful blue tones of these Turquoise Heishi Beads! Turquoise stone beads are popular all around the world and can...

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Lime Green Turquoise Heishi Beads (2mm)

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Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral-rich landscape of Centra...

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Cylindrical Afghan Turquoise Heishi Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Cylindrical Afghan Turquoise Heishi Beads (3mm)

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Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centra...

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Tiny Green Serpentine Heishi Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Tiny Green Serpentine Heishi Beads (3mm)

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These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of authentic serpentine stone from the mines of Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 14 inches long ...

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Round Garnet Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Round Garnet Beads (3mm)

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These Garnet beads are perfect for adding a bold, luxurious look to almost any jewelry design. Made of a beautiful semi-translucent gemstones with ...

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Blue Aqua Tiny Turquoise Stone Saucer Beads (2.5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Blue Aqua Tiny Turquoise Stone Saucer Beads (2.5mm)

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We can't get enough of these handmade tiny saucer Turquoise stone beads! Coming in such a unique shade of blue aqua turquoise these beads can add a...

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Tiny Cylindrical Garnet Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Tiny Cylindrical Garnet Beads (3mm)

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Garnet gets it name from the Latin word malogranatum which means pomegranate. In ancient times it was believed that Garnet was a great protection s...

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Brown Jade Compressed Bicone Heishi Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Brown Jade Compressed Bicone Heishi Beads (3mm)

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These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of authentic jade stone from the mines of Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 14 inches long with b...

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Green Turquoise Afghan Stone Cylinder Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Green Turquoise Afghan Stone Cylinder Beads (3mm)

in stock

Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from the brilliant Turquoise sto...

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Afghan Mini-Barrel Turquoise Beads (6x3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Afghan Mini-Barrel Turquoise Beads (6x3mm)

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These beautiful barrel shaped beads are made of authentic turquoise stone from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 15 inches long with beads m...

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Blue Turquoise Style Saucer Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Blue Turquoise Style Saucer Beads (3mm)

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Check out these amazing strands of Turquoise Style Stone Beads. The breathtaking tones and unique colors of these beads will add a lovely accent to...

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Baby Blue Turquoise Bicone Beads (4x3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Baby Blue Turquoise Bicone Beads (4x3mm)

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Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from baby blue Turquoise stone, ...

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Coral-Style Afghan Stone Cylinder Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
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Coral-Style Afghan Stone Cylinder Beads (2mm)

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These beautiful cylindrical-shaped beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble ...

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Cylindrical Nepali Turquoise Beads (4x3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Cylindrical Nepali Turquoise Beads (4x3mm)

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Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Nepal. Cut from the brilliant blue Turquoise ston...

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Ocean Aqua Turquoise Heishi Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Ocean Aqua Turquoise Heishi Beads (3mm)

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Introducing a stunning set of Ocean Aqua Turquoise Heishi Beads that have been expertly cut and polished in Afghanistan. These gorgeous beads are p...

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Tiny Black Jade Cylinder Beads - The Bead Chest
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Tiny Black Jade Cylinder Beads (2-3mm)

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These beautiful tiny cylinder beads are made of authentic black jade stone from the mines of Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 15 inches lon...

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Lapis Lazuli Saucer Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Lapis Lazuli Saucer Beads (3mm)

in stock

Indulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Cen...

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$14.00
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$14.00
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$10.00
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Green Cylindrical Heishi Turquoise Beads (6x3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Green Cylindrical Heishi Turquoise Beads (6x3mm)

Out of stock

Check out this amazing strand of high-quality stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable acc...

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$24.50 - $24.50
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Blue Turquoise Cylinder Beads (2x3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Blue Turquoise Cylinder Beads (2x3mm)

Out of stock

Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from the brilliant blue Turquois...

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$14.00 - $14.00
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$14.00 - $14.00
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