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Take 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 Snowflake Obsidian Beads feature a lovely sheen and hue making them a stunning addition to any design kit. Snowflake Obsidian is a dark volca...
View full detailsTake a moment to appreciate the deep hues of these carnelian beads. Commonly referred to as the 'Stone of Confidence', Carnelian beads can make for...
View full detailsTake a look at these polished non-magnetic Hematite Beads. These durable beads will help add a fun and mysterious vibe to your custom jewelry desig...
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 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 detailsTake a look at this great strand of Picasso jasper beads. In some traditions, Jasper is said to empower the spirit and provide energy to those who ...
View full detailsThese chic Amethyst Beads will bring unique texture and color to your next design project. Each strand comes with a variation of carved round and o...
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 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 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 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 detailsThese natural Onyx beads are perfect for handmade jewelry design projects. Onyx can withstand high levels of stress and therefore is perfect for ma...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 detailsAdd a calming energy and understated beauty to any jewelry making project with this gorgeous set of Rose Quartz Gemstone Beads. These semi-precious...
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 detailsThese beautiful heishi beads are made of authentic brown jade stone from the mines of Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 14" in length. The b...
View full detailsAdmire these beautiful red jasper beads. Red jasper is a stone that is said to hold powerful physical and spiritual protection. Going back to the t...
View full detailsGemstone 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.