8am-4pm PST
8am-4pm PST
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.
Take 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 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 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 detailsCheck out this amazing strand of high-quality stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable acc...
View full detailsGreat strand of blue sea sediment jasper beads. In some traditions, Jasper is said to empower the spirit and provide energy to those who hold it. B...
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 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 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 detailsThe clear black and white patterns on the surface of Zebra Jasper resembles the coat of a zebra. Zebra Jasper is often referred to as the ‘Stone of...
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 detailsLike the pattern of clouds billowing in a blue sky, these Sodalite beads are made from natural mineral stone. The matte finish of these spherical b...
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 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 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 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 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 detailsTree Agate gets its name due to the leaf like patterns that form across its surface. Many farmers in ancient greek culture believed that Tree Agate...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful cloudy quartz beads in a natural frosted finish. These delightful gemstone beads measure approximately 8 x 8mm...
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 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 detailsGreat strand of black jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individu...
View full detailsWe can't get enough of these rich and colorful strands of Matte Mookaite Jasper Beads! Mookaite Jasper comes to us all the way from Austrailia. Moo...
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 details