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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.
Be inspired by these lovely Lapis Lazuli Beads. Lapis Lazuli beads can make for a truly vibrant accent piece or spacer in most your original neckla...
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 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 detailsThis beautiful strand of matte round picture jasper beads features a blend of brown and beige tones. Each bead measures approximately 6mm in diamet...
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 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 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 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 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 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 black and white Zebra Jasper beads get their name are fun and versatile to use. Each bead measures approximately 6mm diameter. Natural stone ...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful jade beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Central Asi...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful jade beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Central Asi...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful cloudy quartz beads in a natural frosted finish. These delightful gemstone beads measure approximately 6 x 6mm...
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 detailsLilac jade, often referred to as lavender jade, is a gentle purple stone that is considered in some forms of eastern medicine to have special medic...
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 detailsAmazonite is an ancient gemstone that has been loved for its beauty for centuries. According to legend, the warrior women of the ancient Amazon tri...
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 detailsAventurine is a form of quartz, characterized by its translucency and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glistening...
View full detailsDalmatian jasper is a beautiful black spotted stone that is said to help break down barriers in one's life. These beautiful matte round beads measu...
View full detailsBlack Obsidian is a naturally occuring form of Volcanic Glass. It is known for its deep black color and reflective sheen. Obsidian forms when Lava ...
View full detailsThese Skull Beads have a fun and playful artisan feel to them. The hand carved look of these skull beads can help provide the perfect amount of edg...
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