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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.
Check 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 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 beautiful Onyx Beads will add sophistication and elegance to any of your jewelry or crafting projects. Crafted from genuine stone with a glos...
View full detailsThese stunning Deep Green Nephrite Jade Beads will make a beautiful addition to any jewelry design kit. Each natural stone beads has a smooth and p...
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 detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsAdmire these delicate turquoise style bicone-shaped beads. These small beads come out of Afghanistan and are fun to use for bracelets, jewelry, and...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
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 detailsCrazy lace agate, commonly known as Mexican Agate, is believed to have been formed during the cretaceous period, approximately 65-90 million years ...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centra...
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 beautiful faceted beads are made of authentic turquoise stone from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 16 inches long with beads measuri...
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 detailsLike the pattern of moonlit summer sky, these Sodalite beads are made from natural mineral stone. The premium finish of these spherical beads adds ...
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 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 detailsLava is one of the oldest and most frequently found stones in the world. Some consider lava to be a healing stone and believe it to provide a calmi...
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 detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsAdmire the details of this exceptional strand of hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads fashioned in an oval shape. Each bead shows its own unique char...
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 detailsCheck out this amazing strand of high-quality stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable acc...
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