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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.
Check out this amazing strand of stone beads made of REAL turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your jewelr...
View full detailsThis vibrant strand of Carnelian Beads will bring life to any design project. Crafted from beautiful, multi-tonal orange carnelian stone, the beads...
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 Faceted Garnet Beads are perfect for creating a refined and elegant look. These gemstone beads have a gorgeous deep purple tone and come with...
View full detailsThis gorgeous Graduated Garnet Necklace is the perfect ready-to-wear addition to your jewelry collection. Made from expertly cut and polished Garne...
View full detailsMade from authentic Guatemalita Jade stone, these unique beads have been individually shaped and polished by the native Mayan people of Guatemala i...
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 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 gorgeous, Black Shungite Loose Bead sets are perfect for adding subtle sophistication to any design project. Made from stone, these dark, iri...
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 detailsBeautiful handmade turquoise beads, Beads are graduated. The beads measure 8-23mm in length, 2-3mm thick and the strand is about 16inches long. h...
View full detailsAdmire this beautiful strand of hand-patterned tibetan agate beads fashioned in a nice oval. Each bead shows its own unique character apparent in t...
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 these unique stone beads made of authentic turquoise. The rustic character and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your jewel...
View full detailsThese old stone beads are both colorful and unusual. Natural stone was among the earliest materials used by ancient cultures to make beads for pers...
View full detailsHere we have an exceptionally long strand of black 12mm skull beads carved from genuine Howlite stone. Howlite is often times said to help eliminat...
View full detailsThis necklace has been handcrafted by jewelry-makers in Afghanistan. Jewelry made from natural lapis and jade has long been a regarded as a luxury ...
View full detailsThis necklace has been handcrafted by jewelry-makers in Afghanistan. Jewelry made from natural stone has long been a regarded as a luxury throughou...
View full detailsWe are in love with these unique Jade Stone Necklaces. Handcrafted by jewelry-makers in Afghanistan, jewelry made from natural stone has long been ...
View full detailsHere we have a beautiful strand of leopard skin jasper beads in a rondelle shape. These fun, organic beads are made from natural gemstone and measu...
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 detailsThese unusual beads have been individually hewn from solid stone. The variation in the natural mineral is visible in the varied tones of the beads....
View full detailsThe rust red tones of these natural Jasper stone beads are rich and distinctive. Older Jasper beads such as these likely traveled across the trade ...
View full detailsThe rust red tones of these natural Jasper stone beads are rich and distinctive. Older Jasper beads such as these likely traveled across the trade ...
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