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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 beautiful cylindrical-shaped beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble ...
View full detailsCreek Jasper is a captivating style of jasper known for its vibrant hues of green, red and yellow. It is mainly found in areas of Africa, China and...
View full detailsAventurine is a form of quartz and is considered to be the "Stone of Opportunity." Often said to enhance prosperity and wealth, this green gemstone...
View full detailsAventurine stone is known in the gemstone world as one of the luckiest stones. Pink aventurine is believed by some to inspire positive thinking in ...
View full detailsThese beautiful cylindrical-shaped beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble ...
View full detailsAventurine is a form of quartz and is considered to be the "Stone of Opportunity." Often said to enhance prosperity and wealth, this green gemstone...
View full detailsTake a look at this great strand of sea sediment jasper beads. In some traditions, Jasper is said to empower the spirit and provide energy to those...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava. They are then electroplated to take on this beautiful metallic finish! Lava is a form of molten rock...
View full detailsHard to come by - look at these beautiful beads made of prized turquoise from southwestern Asia. It is rare to find such beautiful and genuine turq...
View full detailsThe colorful blue tones of these tiny turquoise beads are fun and lively. Turquoise stone beads are popular all around the world and can help to ad...
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 detailsThese interlocking beads are carved from agate in a shape that resembles snake vertebrae. The shape is common to vintage Czech beads which were use...
View full detailsThese beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of authentic brown jade stone from the mines of Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 13 inches long ...
View full detailsThese Onyx Beads are perfect for use in all your jewelry making and design projects. Onyx will add a luxurious and classic look to your necklaces, ...
View full detailsThese Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Beads feature a natural textured dark blue color that will add a chic touch of elegance to any design or home decor pro...
View full detailsTake a look at this stunning strand of Rainbow Sea Sediment Jasper. The beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives it a truly distinct look. Vers...
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 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 detailsThese Onyx Beads are the ideal addition for any jewelry project. This stone material is specifically crafted for its deep black color, creating a s...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Nepal. Cut from the brilliant blue Turquoise ston...
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 detailsIntroducing a stunning set of Ocean Aqua Turquoise Heishi Beads that have been expertly cut and polished in Afghanistan. These gorgeous beads are p...
View full detailsTake a look at this stunning strand of Rainbow Sea Sediment Jasper. The beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives it a truly distinct look. Vers...
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