Skip to content
About Us Wholesale Reviews Reorder Wishlist

Metal Beads

  • Kenya Brass Heishi Beads - The Bead Chest
    Save 23% Save %
    $7.50
    $7.50 - $7.50
    $7.50
    $5.75
    $5.75 - $5.75
    $5.75

    Kenya Brass Heishi Beads

    in stock

    Take a look at this strand of Kenya Brass Heishi beads from Africa. The strand is 13"-15" long, with beads measuring 1 mm in length and 3-4mm in d...

    View full details
    $7.50
    $7.50 - $7.50
    $7.50
    $5.75
    $5.75 - $5.75
    $5.75
    Save 23% Save %
  • Kenya Copper Heishi Beads - The Bead Chest
    Save 41% Save %
    $8.50
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00

    Kenya Copper Heishi Beads

    in stock

    Take a look at this strand of Kenya Copper Heishi beads from Africa. The strand is 16" long, with beads measuring 1mm in width and 3-4mm in diameter.

    $8.50
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    Save 41% Save %
  • Kenya White Metal Heishi Beads - The Bead Chest
    Save 41% Save %
    $8.50
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00

    Kenya White Metal Heishi Beads

    in stock

    Take a look at this strand of Kenya White Heishi beads from Africa. The strand is 12" long, with beads measuring 1mm wide and approximately 4mm in...

    View full details
    $8.50
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    Save 41% Save %
  • Ethiopian Brass Bicone Beads (8x7mm) - The Bead Chest
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00

    Ethiopian Brass Bicone Beads (8x7mm)

    in stock

    Here is a beautiful strand of Ethiopian Brass Bicone from Africa. Each bead is handmade individually. The strand is a long 30", with beads measur...

    View full details
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
  • Brass-Style Ghana Glass Seed Beads - The Bead Chest
    $4.00 - $4.00
    $4.00
    $4.00
    $4.00 - $4.00
    $4.00

    Brass-Style Ghana Glass Seed Beads

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of brass glass seed beads from Ghana, strung on a traditional raffia string. Each bead measures approximately 3-4 x 4mm with stran...

    View full details
    $4.00 - $4.00
    $4.00
    $4.00
    $4.00 - $4.00
    $4.00
  • Ethiopian White Metal Bicone Beads (8x7mm) - The Bead Chest
    Save 14% Save %
    $14.00
    $14.00 - $14.00
    $14.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00

    Ethiopian White Metal Bicone Beads (8x7mm)

    in stock

    Take a look at these Ethiopian White Metal beads from Africa. Each bead is handmade individually. The strand is a long 27-30", with beads measuri...

    View full details
    $14.00
    $14.00 - $14.00
    $14.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    Save 14% Save %
  • Diamond Cut Faceted Gold Color Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00

    Diamond Cut Faceted Gold Color Beads (3mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of faceted gold beads. These beads have been fashioned to resemble a diamond cut. They will add a glamorous touch to your beaded j...

    View full details
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
  • Silver Faceted Diamond Cut Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00

    Silver Faceted Diamond Cut Beads (3mm)

    in stock

    These diamond cut beads, also commonly referred to as corner less cube beads, measure approximately 3 x 3mm in size, with a hole size of 2mm. Each ...

    View full details
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
  • Brass Rounded Rectangle Beads (3x2mm) - The Bead Chest
    Save 33% Save %
    $9.00
    $9.00 - $9.00
    $9.00
    $6.00
    $6.00 - $6.00
    $6.00

    Brass Rounded Rectangle Beads (3x2mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of high quality, ethnic brass beads measuring 26" in length. Individual beads measure approximately 2.8mm wide by 2.3mm in diamete...

    View full details
    $9.00
    $9.00 - $9.00
    $9.00
    $6.00
    $6.00 - $6.00
    $6.00
    Save 33% Save %
  • Round Brass Ethiopian Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00

    Round Brass Ethiopian Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Here is a beautiful strand of Ethiopian Brass Round Bicone from Africa. Each bead is handmade individually. The strand is a long approx. 28", wi...

    View full details
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00
  • Gold Flat Disk Heishi Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
    $16.50 - $16.50
    $16.50
    $16.50
    $16.50 - $16.50
    $16.50

    Gold Flat Disk Heishi Beads (6mm)

    in stock

    Brighten up your designs with these great Gold Disk Heishi Beads. The flat shape of these beads makes them highly versatile and they may be used as...

    View full details
    $16.50 - $16.50
    $16.50
    $16.50
    $16.50 - $16.50
    $16.50
  • Silver Rectangular Tube Ethiopian Beads (5x2mm) - The Bead Chest
    Save 20% Save %
    $10.00
    $10.00 - $10.00
    $10.00
    $8.00
    $8.00 - $8.00
    $8.00

    Silver Rectangular Tube Ethiopian Beads (5x2mm)

    in stock

    Admire this great strand of silver beads from Ethiopia fashioned in an unusual rectangular tube shape. This is a creative twist on the cylindrical ...

    View full details
    $10.00
    $10.00 - $10.00
    $10.00
    $8.00
    $8.00 - $8.00
    $8.00
    Save 20% Save %
  • Folded Brass Tube Ethiopian Beads (4x3mm) - The Bead Chest
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
    $8.50
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50

    Folded Brass Tube Ethiopian Beads (4x3mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of small folded brass tube beads from Ethiopia! The long strand is 28" in length, and individual beads measure approximately 4mm i...

    View full details
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
    $8.50
    $8.50 - $8.50
    $8.50
  • Smooth Extra Large Gold Heishi Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
    $12.50 - $12.50
    $12.50
    $12.50
    $12.50 - $12.50
    $12.50

    Smooth Extra Large Gold Heishi Beads (6mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of high quality, ethnic gold colored brass beads measuring 16" in length. Individual beads measure 1.5 x 6mm in size, with holes m...

    View full details
    $12.50 - $12.50
    $12.50
    $12.50
    $12.50 - $12.50
    $12.50
  • Round Brass Ethiopian Beads (6-7mm) - The Bead Chest
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00

    Round Brass Ethiopian Beads (6-7mm)

    in stock

    Here is a beautiful strand of Ethiopian Brass Round Beads from Africa. Each bead is handmade individually. The strand is a long approx. 30", with b...

    View full details
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00
    $15.00 - $15.00
    $15.00
  • Diamond Cut Faceted Antiqued Brass Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00

    Diamond Cut Faceted Antiqued Brass Beads (3mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of faceted antiqued brass color beads. These beads have been fashioned to resemble a diamond cut. They will add a glamorous touch ...

    View full details
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00
    $12.00 - $12.00
    $12.00
  • Ethiopian Elongated White Metal Bicone Beads (9x6mm) - The Bead Chest
    $14.00 - $14.00
    $14.00
    $14.00
    $14.00 - $14.00
    $14.00

    Ethiopian Elongated White Metal Bicone Beads (9x6mm)

    Only 9 left!

    Beautiful strand of Elongated White Metal Bicone Beads from Ethiopia! The strand measures 29" in length, and beads measure approximately 5-6mm in d...

    View full details
    $14.00 - $14.00
    $14.00
    $14.00
    $14.00 - $14.00
    $14.00
  • Silver Heishi Ethiopian Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
    $7.00 - $7.00
    $7.00
    $7.00
    $7.00 - $7.00
    $7.00

    Silver Heishi Ethiopian Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of Small Silver Heishi beads from Ethiopia!. Beads measure 1mm wide by 2mm diameter. Each strand is approximately 30 inches lon...

    View full details
    $7.00 - $7.00
    $7.00
    $7.00
    $7.00 - $7.00
    $7.00
  • Shiny Silver Tiny Oval Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00

    Shiny Silver Tiny Oval Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of high quality, ethnic white metal beads measuring 24" in length. Individual beads measure 2 x 2mm in size, with holes measuring ...

    View full details
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
  • Smooth Silver Rondelle Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
    $8.00 - $8.00
    $8.00
    $8.00
    $8.00 - $8.00
    $8.00

    Smooth Silver Rondelle Beads (5mm)

    in stock

    Spice up your jewelry designs with these antique silver colored beads. Made from high quality white metal, these artisan beads make for wonderful s...

    View full details
    $8.00 - $8.00
    $8.00
    $8.00
    $8.00 - $8.00
    $8.00
  • Brass Heishi Ethiopian Beads (2.5-3mm) - The Bead Chest
    Save 25% Save %
    $10.00
    $10.00 - $10.00
    $10.00
    $7.50
    $7.50 - $7.50
    $7.50

    Brass Heishi Ethiopian Beads (2.5-3mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of Brass Heishi beads from Ethiopia!. Beads are about 2.5-3mm diameter. The strand is approximately 28 inches long with hole size...

    View full details
    $10.00
    $10.00 - $10.00
    $10.00
    $7.50
    $7.50 - $7.50
    $7.50
    Save 25% Save %
  • Antiqued Brass Tiny Oval Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00

    Antiqued Brass Tiny Oval Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of high quality, ethnic brass beads measuring 24" in length. Individual beads measure 2 x 2mm in size, with holes measuring approx...

    View full details
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
  • Silver Tiny Oval Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00

    Silver Tiny Oval Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    Beautiful strand of high quality, ethnic white metal beads measuring 24" in length. Individual beads measure 2 x 2mm in size, with holes measuring ...

    View full details
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
  • Silver Ethiopian Wollo Rings (9mm) (Set of 5) - The Bead Chest
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00

    Silver Ethiopian Wollo Rings (9mm) (Set of 5)

    in stock

    Check out this set of unique white metal rings from the Wollo region of northern Ethiopia. These handmade rings are individually decorated with a t...

    View full details
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
Ornate and beautiful, African Metal Beads have long been an expressive art medium for indigenous tribes of the Southern and Eastern Capes. Their versatility as both a currency and symbol of status has vastly improved the fortunes of many impoverished regions, and borne an art form that continues to be imparted by ancestors to younger generations. Focal African Copper Beads are thought to be among the earliest formats produced using the “lost wax” method; an ancient Tuareg technique involving the use of hollow wax molds to shape and set molten metal. Ductile and soft, copper is one of the easiest metals to manipulate into elaborate shapes, which is why you'll find the vast majority of Copper Beads here at The Bead Chest are characterised by intricate designs and filigree work. Ethiopian Heishi Beads produced prior to the 1950's also utilised this method, and historians suggest the ancient Tuareg technique may have paved the way for the cage-like Baoule Brass Beads now produced in abundance along the Ivory Coast. Africa's popular White Metal Beads are a more recent innovation. They are commonly produced using recyclable alloys, such as aluminium, sourced from discarded cans and industrial roofing. Metal Beads tend to be far less elaborate in character than their copper counterparts owing to the process by which they are made. Both Tube and Heishi Beads are produced using the “winding” technique – a process whereby the metal is heated until malleable, before winding it around a mandrel and hammering it into shape. This technique allows for greater uniformity when crafting smaller beads, making them ideal for bead-weaving and peyote style projects.