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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.
Lava 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 rondelle stone beads feature a nice blend of natural colors including browns, blues, and beige. Each bead measures approximately 5x8mm with a...
View full detailsAdd a special addition to your jewelry making supplies with these Rectangular Turquoise Stone Beads. Take a closer look and you will notice the int...
View full detailsThese exquisite Lapis Lazuli beads were hand-faceted by an artisan in Afghanistan. The brilliant color of the natural stone is enhanced by the deta...
View full detailsTake 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 detailsThese earthy Aventurine Chip Beads will add the perfect touch to your design projects. Each gemstone bead has a unique chip shape and a pretty sage...
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 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 detailsTake 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 detailsThese old natural stone beads are found in Nigeria. Populating a wide swath of West Africa, the people of the Fulani tribe have long put high value...
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 detailsThese chic Rose Quartz Gemstones are the perfect addition to your crystal collection! Rose Quartz has calming pink hue that brings a touch of peace...
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 serpentine beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centr...
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 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 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 ...
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 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 hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsWe love the vibrant and deep orange tones of these exquisite Carnelian Oval Beads. Carnelian is regarded as a beautiful stone of luxury. Look close...
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 detailsThese Aventurine Beads can add a sleek touch to a variety of jewelry-making projects. With a dark green color, these natural gemstones make a state...
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