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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.
Take a look at these stunning Malachite stone Beads. Malachite is known all around the world due to its deep green color and intricate patterns. Ma...
View full detailsThis beautiful set of Amethyst Gemstones will make a great addition to your crafting and decor projects. Made from natural Amethyst Crystals these ...
View full detailsTake a closer look at this stunning strand of Serpentine beads. This gemstone bead strand comes with up to 100 beads, making it ideal to use as a h...
View full detailsThese beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of the highest quality Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Central Asia has bee...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centra...
View full detailsTake a look at these beautiful stone beads made of authentic turquoise. The brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your jewe...
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 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 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...
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 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 natural Garnet Stone Beads will make for a striking accent in your custom necklace and bracelet designs. They would also look great as an ear...
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 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 shimmering Goldstone Beads are truly eye-catching. Not only can you appreciate the earthy clay red color, you can also enjoy the unique speck...
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 interesting Amethyst Beads boast a sophisticated style that is ideal for adding a hint of luxury to any jewelry design. The beautiful purple ...
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 chic Amethyst Beads are a perfect addition to any jewelry design kit. Each strand features beautifully hand-carved beads with a unique leaf s...
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 striking Amethyst Beads make a great accent bead for almost any jewelry design project. Cut and polished from natural Amethyst crystals, each...
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 detailsCalcite is often known as the stone of emotional intelligence. It is naturally found in deposits from hot springs, caverns, and volcanic-derived ro...
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...
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