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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 detailsTree Agate gets its name due to the leaf like patterns that form across its surface. Many farmers in ancient greek culture believed that Tree Agate...
View full detailsThese Black Skull Beads have a fun and playful energy to them. Carved from natural stone and then dyed black these skull beads are sure to be an at...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava, formed from molten rock originating from a volcano eruption. They come in a variety of shapes and si...
View full detailsAdd a calming energy and understated beauty to any jewelry making project with this gorgeous set of Rose Quartz Gemstone Beads. These semi-precious...
View full detailsAventurine is a form of quartz and is considered to be the "Stone of Opportunity." Often said to enhance prosperity and wealth, this green gemstone...
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 detailsAmazonite, also known as Amazon stone, was first identified near the Amazon river in South America. These beautiful Amazonite stone beads come in a...
View full detailsRhodonite is a commonly occurring pink gemstone. It is most commonly found in areas like Peru, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Japan, South Wales ...
View full detailsBlack Obsidian is a naturally occuring form of Volcanic Glass. It is known for its deep black color and reflective sheen. Obsidian forms when Lava ...
View full detailsTree Agate gets its name due to the leaf like patterns that form across its surface. Many farmers in ancient greek culture believed that Tree Agate...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava, formed from molten rock originating from a volcano eruption. They come in a variety of shapes and si...
View full detailsThese beautiful stone heishi beads are made of authentic jade stone from the mines of Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 15% long with beads ...
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 detailsDalmatian jasper is a beautiful black spotted stone that is said to help break down barriers in one's life. These beautiful matte round beads measu...
View full detailsThis strand of Nephrite Jade Beads will complete any jewelry design with its attractive green hue. These gemstone beads have been polished to a smo...
View full detailsThe clear black and white patterns on the surface of Zebra Jasper resembles the coat of a zebra. Zebra Jasper is often referred to as the ‘Stone of...
View full detailsTree Agate gets its name due to the leaf like patterns that form across its surface. Many farmers in ancient greek culture believed that Tree Agate...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from the brilliant blue Turquois...
View full detailsThese beautiful saucer beads are from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled reconstituted stone meant to resemble tradi...
View full detailsLilac jade, often referred to as lavender jade, is a gentle purple stone that is considered in some forms of eastern medicine to have special medic...
View full detailsThese beautiful cylindrical-shaped beads are from the mountains of Afghanistan. They are made from recycled, reconstituted stone meant to resemble ...
View full detailsWhite Jade is a form of Nephrite jade considered by many as a calming and grounding stone. People often believe that it protects its wearer from ne...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful jade beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Central Asi...
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