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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.
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 detailsThese beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of the highest quality Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 11 inches long with be...
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 detailsTake a moment to admire these high-quality Lapis Lazuli Beads. Lapis Lazuli is famous for its beautiful deep blue tones and striking patterns. Lapi...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 detailsTake a look at these beautiful black beads made from volcanic stone. The special character of these bead is apparent in the texture of the surface ...
View full detailsThese beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of the highest quality Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 12-15 inches long with...
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 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 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 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 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 detailsThe colorful green tones of these tiny turquoise beads are fun and lively. Turquoise stone beads are popular all around the world and can help to a...
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...
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