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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 heishi beads are made from genuine natural sea shell. Each bead measures approximately 1-5 x 7mm in size, with a hole size of approximately 1...
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 detailsCreate a stunning one-of-a-kind jewelry designs with these stylish translucent Amethyst Beads. Each bead is cut in an intricate hexagon shape and f...
View full detailsThese beads are made of howlite stone. Howlite is said to reduce anxiety, tension, and stress and can be used to facilitate awareness, and encourag...
View full detailsTake a look at these beautiful agate beads, in a "ancient" style finish. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique crackle...
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 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 detailsThis necklace has been handcrafted by jewelry-makers in Afghanistan. Jewelry made from natural blue Lapis stone has long been a regarded as a luxur...
View full detailsThis necklace has been handcrafted by jewelry-makers in Afghanistan. Jewelry made from natural blue Lapis stone has long been a regarded as a luxur...
View full detailsTake a look at these sleek Charcoal Interlocking Hematite Beads. Hematite beads are very easy to work with and can add a modern looking feel to you...
View full detailsTake a look at this incredible strand of faceted carnelian beads from Nigeria. Individual beads measure 16-25mm long by 12-20mm in diameter. The vi...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful coral style beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Cent...
View full detailsTake your jewelry design aesthetic to the next level with these Rounded Greenish Turquoise Stone Beads. Turquoise Stone Beads like this look amazin...
View full detailsThese interlocking beads are carved from authentic stone in a shape that resembles snake vertebrae. The shape is common to vintage Czech beads whic...
View full detailsThese beautiful Agate beads will add a touch of beauty to your jewelry design projects. Made from natural gemstones each graduated Agate bead has i...
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 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 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 gorgeous Carnelian Beads make for an exquisite addition to any jewelry design kit. With an eye-catching natural stone look in a deep red hue,...
View full detailsThese hand carved skull beads will add an eerie yet captivating element to your jewelry design and craft projects. These earthy brown skull beads c...
View full detailsAdmire this beautiful strand of prized African Carnelian beads from Nigeria. These stone beads have been polished to perfection to bring out their ...
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 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 detailsAdmire the details of this exceptional strand of hand-patterned tibetan agate beads fashioned in a oval shape. Each bead shows its own unique chara...
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