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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 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 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 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 54 b...
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 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 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 chic Amethyst Beads will bring unique texture and color to your next design project. Each strand comes with a variation of carved round and o...
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 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 Graduated Amethyst Beads make for a stylish accent bead. Each bead is made from carved Amethyst stones, perfectly rounded and polished to a g...
View full detailsThis strand of glossy black Onyx Stone is sure to attract attention and elevate any design project to a new level of sophistication. These stones h...
View full detailsThese beautiful natural Onyx beads are a stunning addition to any jewelry project. Measuring 12mm in diameter, they are cut in the classic round sh...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful green jade beads brought to you from Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Central Asia has been a source...
View full detailsUnakite beads are a beautiful combination of green and pink that create a unique, mottled appearance. These semi-precious gemstones are often used ...
View full detailsThese interesting Amethyst Beads are a beautiful choice for almost any jewelry making project! Made from natural gemstones, these beads are careful...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these beautiful natural Onyx beads. Their luxurious black color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to every beading ...
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 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 detailsAdd a chic and elegant vibe to your design projects with these Onyx beads. The round shape and polished look these Onyx beads have makes them fun a...
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 detailsThese unusual stone beads are said to be hundreds of years old. Each bead has been individually shaped from granite stone and arranged nicely as a ...
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 beautiful tiny heishi beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble traditi...
View full detailsColloquially referred to as "African Opal", these brown stone beads have a rich texture that is hard not to notice. Mined in Africa, the stone for ...
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