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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.
Add a chic Boho touch to your unique jewelry designs with these natural green Turquoise stone beads. Turquoise is said to be a good luck charm and ...
View full detailsCheck out this amazing strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your j...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these exquisite lapis lazuli beads, sourced from a premium vintage stock. For centuries, lapis has been treasured for its deep...
View full detailsThese beautiful Garnet Beads are perfect for giving any jewelry piece an elegant, vintage look. Each Garnet Bead is made from natural gemstones, pe...
View full detailsThe striking green shade of these authentic turquoise nuggets is beautiful as it is unique. The rustic texture of the individual pieces give this b...
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 off-white matte natural stone beads are versatile as they are fun. Look carefully and you will see that many beads have a patterned surface t...
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 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 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 detailsAventurine is a form of natural quartz stone, characterized by its translucence and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering...
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 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 70 b...
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 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 detailsGarnet gets it name from the Latin word malogranatum which means pomegranate. In ancient times it was believed that Garnet was a great protection s...
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 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 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 beautiful black beads made from volcanic stone. The special character of these bead is apparent in the texture of the surface ...
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...
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