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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 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 beauty of this unique strand of Nepali coral-style beads. What makes these so unique is the handmade caps found on each end of the bead....
View full detailsAdmire the intense blue, green and black tones of these turquoise beads. The mottled texture of the matrix gives the stone a remarkable and strikin...
View full detailsThis set of Orange Agate Nuggets is a great way to add vibrant color and unique textures to any jewelry design project. This Agate stone pack inclu...
View full detailsTake a look at these enticing interlocking snake beads. Modeled after traditional Czech snake beads, newer beads like this are durable and very eas...
View full detailsAmethyst beads are exquisite, semi-precious gemstones that are renowned for their deep purple hue. The color of these beads can vary from light vio...
View full detailsThese beautiful Spessartine Garnet beads can add the perfect touch to any jewelry design. Carved and finely polished into a useful round shape thes...
View full detailsAmethyst beads are exquisite, semi-precious gemstones that are renowned for their deep purple hue. The color of these beads can vary from light vio...
View full detailsApatite is a beautiful natural stone most commonly found in Brazil, Myanmar, and Mexico. Known for its beautiful color, it is considered by some to...
View full detailsAdd a vintage chrome look to your beading and home design projects with these exceptional Silver Hematite Beads. Hematite Beads like this are very ...
View full detailsTake a second the admire these unique Light Green Jade Stone Beads. Green Jade Beads like these are harder to come by and can make a unique additio...
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 detailsCheck out this colorful strand of beads fashioned from real turquoise stone. The brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your...
View full detailsTake a look at these beautifully patterned jade beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the beads...
View full detailsAventurine is a form of natural quartz stone, characterized by its translucence and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering...
View full detailsDalmatian jasper is a beautiful black spotted stone that is said to help break down barriers in one's life. These beautiful matte round beads measu...
View full detailsCheck out this great strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. The rustic character of these beads will add an unmistakable accent to your...
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 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 these enticing interlocking snake beads. Modeled after traditional Czech snake beads, newer beads like this are durable and very eas...
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 detailsGarnet gets it name from the Latin word malogranatum which means pomegranate. In ancient times it was believed that Garnet was a great protection s...
View full detailsTake a moment to admire the lovely blue shades of these Lapis Lazuli Faceted Beads! Natural Lapis Lazuli Stone Beads can help add a great texture t...
View full detailsThese Amethyst Beads feature a rich purple hue making for a stunning addition to any beading project. Crafted from stone and waxed for a beautiful ...
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