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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.
This vibrant strand of Yellow Calcite Beads can make a wonderful addition to any jewelry design or craft project. These gemstone beads have a gloss...
View full detailsThese stunning Dark Green Aventurine Beads will add a sleek polished touch to your design projects. Green Aventurine gemstones have a captivating s...
View full detailsThese gorgeous Garnet beads are an excellent addition to almost any design project. These Garnet gemstone beads have a truly unique deep purple sha...
View full detailsLabradorite is often referred to as a ‘Stone of Magic’. It is believed by some to help one become more self aware of their emotions and psychic con...
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 41 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 detailsRed Jasper beads are a bold and striking addition to any jewelry collection. These semi-precious gemstones feature a deep red color with natural va...
View full detailsAmazonite, also known as Amazon stone, was first identified near the Amazon river in South America. These beautiful Amazonite stone beads come in a...
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 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 detailsBlue Lace Agate is known for its beautiful sapphire blue color, and is said by some to have therapeutic properties. Most commonly found in Africa, ...
View full detailsThese striking Amethyst Beads offer a natural elegance with their graduated look and earthy feel. Featuring a unique, floral like pattern with a mi...
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 detailsThese shimmering Smoky Quartz Crystals can make a great addition to your home decor and jewelry design kit! These raw gemstones are cut from natura...
View full detailsBlack Jet beads are a luxurious and elegant addition to any jewelry collection. These semi-precious gemstones are a deep, glossy black with a smoot...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads. The mineral rich landscape of Asia has been a source of treasured stones for at least thre...
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 detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Each bead measures approximately ...
View full detailsThese beautiful beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble traditional gemston...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful jade beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. These delightful, handcrafted gemstone be...
View full detailsTake a look at these electroplated Hematite beads. Each stone bead is features a stunning frosted bronze color and an intricate snake vertebrae-lik...
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 detailsIndulge your eyes on these spectacular Earthy Green Turquoise Stone Cube Beads. Cube shaped beads like this make for a unique accent piece when cre...
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...
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