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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.
Admire the intense blue color of these dark turquoise beads. The mottled texture of the matrix gives the stone a rustic and ethnic feel. Turquoise ...
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 detailsFun and easy to work with, these colorful Druzy Agate Stone Beads are a great choice for creative and custom jewelry designs. The name Druzy genera...
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 detailsAdd a level of fine craftsmanship to your designs with our Turquoise-style stone beads. These beads which are reminiscent of natural turquoise are ...
View full detailsThese red garnet chip beads are sure to brighten up any jewelry piece. These gorgeous stone beads are naturally a deep red hue with hints of orange...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful serpentine beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centr...
View full detailsTake a look at these stunning Malachite Stone Beads. Malachite is known all around the world due to its deep green color and intricate patterns. Ma...
View full detailsCheck out this amazing strand of stone beads made of REAL turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your jewelr...
View full detailsAdmire these striking Turquoise Rondelle Beads. These stunning handcrafted beads are often used to create intricate necklace and bracelet designs. ...
View full detailsFor those who appreciate quality turquoise stone, these beads are the cream of the crop. Blue turquoise is prized for its natural brilliance and au...
View full detailsThese rustic stone beads have an earthy feel to them. Made from natural rock crystal stone, each bead has been carved by a Nepali artisan. 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. They are then electroplated to take on this beautiful metallic finish! Lava is a form of molten rock...
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...
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 detailsThese beautiful bicone-shaped beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble tradi...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful green-toned beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral-rich landscape of Cent...
View full detailsTake a look at these eccentric agate beads. The unique sandstone finish evokes the timeless landscape of saharan sand dunes. Each strand includes 1...
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 detailsFun and easy to work with, these colorful Druzy Agate Stone Beads are a great choice for creative and custom jewelry designs. The name Druzy genera...
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 detailsThese beautiful heishi-shaped beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble tradi...
View full detailsThese gorgeous White Banded Agate Disk Beads lend to any jewelry project an air of sophistication and balance. Each bead measures 10-16mm wide and ...
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