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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 Amethyst Beads will make a stunning addition to any jewelry design. Each gemstone bead is cut with a triangular faceted shape that makes them...
View full detailsThese Faceted Diamond Cut Garnet Beads are sure to add a beautiful touch to your design kit. Each gemstone bead is carefully cut and polished to he...
View full detailsThis useful set Lapis Lazuli Beads is perfect for all types of design projects. Lapis Lazuli is a type of gemstone composed of Lazurite, Calcite, a...
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 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 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 beautiful Snowflake Obsidian Beads have been carefully carved from stone to create a unique oval shape. With a sleek black look, these beads ...
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 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 detailsTake a look at these frosted non-magnetic Hematite beads. Each stone bead is features an intricate snake vertebrae-like interlocking design. Hemati...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava. They are then electroplated to take on this beautiful metallic finish! These unique beads can add a ...
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 detailsAdmire these sleek black agate beads from Nigeria. Varied in shades of brown and grey, the smooth natural tones are sure to impress! Black stone be...
View full detailsThese beautiful green marbled Jade beads are crafted from natural gemstones and feature gorgeous swirls of green, yellow and cream colors. These li...
View full detailsThis strand of Green Aventurine Beads can help you create beautiful jewelry designs. The subtle green color and marbled pattern of this gemstone is...
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 detailsThis lovely strand of blue quartz beads is as vibrant as it is eye catching. Smooth and symmetric, each bead each 15" strand has approximately 35 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 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 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 whimsical stone beads are fashioned in a banded pattern similar to that of malachite gemstone. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, th...
View full detailsThese stunning Amethyst Beads have a beautiful purple hue, perfect for creating unique and elegant jewelry designs. Each bead is carefully hand-car...
View full detailsAdmire the beautiful color of these authentic jade stone beads. These beads were individually cut by artisans in Afghanistan. Many new age communit...
View full detailsGreat strand of sea sediment jasper beads. In some traditions, Jasper is said to empower the spirit and provide energy to those who hold it. The be...
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