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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.
The 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 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 detailsCommonly referred to by their place of production, Idar Oberstein Beads carry to this day a reputation for quality craftsmanship. Idar Oberstein in...
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 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 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 detailsAdmire this beautiful strand of Serpentine Stone Beads from Mali West Africa. Beads such as these have been prized for their unique color since Neo...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 detailsThese old stone beads are both simple and unusual. Natural stone was among the earliest materials used by ancient cultures to make beads for person...
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 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 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 detailsTake a moment to admire these stunning white marble beads. These stone beads come to us from the South American Country of Guatemala. Guatemalan St...
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 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 detailsThese old natural stone beads are found in Mali. Populating a wide swath of West Africa, the people of the Fulani tribe have long put high value on...
View full detailsAdmire this beautiful strand of Serpentine Stone Beads from Mali West Africa. Beads such as these have been prized for their unique color since Neo...
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...
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