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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 off-white natural stone beads are versatile as they are fun. Look carefully and you will see that many beads have a patterned surface that re...
View full detailsThese Nephrite Jade Beads are a great strand of gemstone beads that are sure to add depth to your jewelry designs. Each bead is made from natural s...
View full detailsAdmire the beautiful yellow color of these authentic jade stone beads. These beads were individually cut by artisans in Afghanistan. Many new age c...
View full detailsThese off-white natural stone beads are versatile as they are fun. Look carefully and you will see that many beads will have a textured patterned s...
View full detailsThese faux turquoise stone beads will add a splash of color to any jewelry designs. Look carefully and you will see that many beads have a patterne...
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 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 detailsThese stunning Amethyst Beads make for beautiful accent in fashion jewelry pieces. They have a delicate purple color that shimmers in the light and...
View full detailsThese Amethyst Beads are sure to make a bold statement! These gorgeous crystal beads feature a soft and subtle purple tone. They are made from natu...
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 detailsThis pack of raw Clear Quartz Gemstones has a truly beautiful and translucent look to them. These Quartz Crystals shimmer in the light and create a...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. These delightful, handcrafted gem...
View full detailsThese simple and elegant hematite beads are versatile and easy to incorporate in your own unique jewelry designs. Each bead is electroplated to mim...
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 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 detailsCheck out this amazing strand of high-quality stone beads made of authentic green turquoise. This unique color will add an unmistakable accent to y...
View full detailsThese stunning Faceted Garnet Beads with their beautiful red and purple hue are perfect for any jewelry design project! Each stone bead is cut at a...
View full detailsThis finely crafted strand of Garnet Beads showcases a rich red color and smooth, round shape. Garnet is a common mineral, that boasts a deep red h...
View full detailsThese off-white natural stone beads are versatile as they are fun. Look carefully and you will see that many beads have a patterned surface that re...
View full detailsHere we have a beautiful strand of leopard skin jasper beads in a rondelle shape. These fun, organic beads are made from natural gemstone and measu...
View full detailsThese Carved Onyx Beads, are made from gemstones and with a dramatic black hue, are perfect for adding a touch of modern elegance to any look. Thei...
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 detailsMade from authentic Guatemalita Jade stone, these unique beads have been individually shaped and polished by the native Mayan people of Guatemala i...
View full detailsCoral has been prized and worn in jewelry for thousands of years, since before the time of Egypt. It is believed by some that coral relieves melanc...
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