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Gemstone Beads

  • Lapis Lazuli Tiny Cylindrical Heishi Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $10.64
    $10.64 - $10.64
    $10.64

    Lapis Lazuli Tiny Cylindrical Heishi Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of the highest quality Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 11 inches long with be...

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    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $10.64
    $10.64 - $10.64
    $10.64
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  • Matte Round Lapis Lazuli Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
    $4.56 - $4.56
    $4.56
    $4.56
    $4.56 - $4.56
    $4.56

    Matte Round Lapis Lazuli Beads (4mm)

    in stock

    Take a moment to appreciate the unique and striking patterns of these stunning Lapis Lazuli beads. Lapis Lazuli Stone beads like this are known for...

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    $4.56 - $4.56
    $4.56
    $4.56
    $4.56 - $4.56
    $4.56
  • Medley of Afghani Gemstone Beads - The Bead Chest
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    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $12.16
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    $12.16

    Medley of Afghani Gemstone Beads

    in stock

    From the mountains of Afghanistan, this exciting medley includes a wide variety of delightful beads including lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade and oth...

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    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $12.16
    $12.16 - $12.16
    $12.16
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  • Matte Round Lapis Lazuli Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $13.66 - $13.66
    $13.66
    $13.66
    $13.66 - $13.66
    $13.66

    Matte Round Lapis Lazuli Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Take a dive into the deep blue tones of these alluring Lapis Lazuli Beads. Lapis Lazuli Beads are known for their vibrant blue hue and inspiring na...

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    $13.66 - $13.66
    $13.66
    $13.66
    $13.66 - $13.66
    $13.66
  • Blue Arizona Turquoise Afghani Cylinder Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
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    $15.20

    Blue Arizona Turquoise Afghani Cylinder Beads (2mm)

    Only 8 left!

    Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from the brilliant Turquoise sto...

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    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
  • Matte Round Sodalite Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $5.93 - $5.93
    $5.93
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    Matte Round Sodalite Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Like the pattern of clouds billowing in a blue sky, these Sodalite beads are made from natural mineral stone. The matte finish of these spherical b...

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    $5.93 - $5.93
    $5.93
    $5.93
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    $5.93
  • Matte Round Bronzite Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
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    Matte Round Bronzite Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Add an eye-catching burst of texture to your custom design projects with our 8mm strands of Bronzite Stone Beads. Bronzite can be found all over th...

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    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
    $15.18
    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
  • Dark Turquoise Tiny Heishi Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $24.32
    $24.32 - $24.32
    $24.32
    $21.28
    $21.28 - $21.28
    $21.28

    Dark Turquoise Tiny Heishi Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of natural turquoise from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 14-15 inches long with beads measurin...

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    $24.32
    $24.32 - $24.32
    $24.32
    $21.28
    $21.28 - $21.28
    $21.28
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  • Turquoise Sea Sediment Jasper Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
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    Turquoise Sea Sediment Jasper Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Great strand of green jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individu...

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    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
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    $15.18
  • Matte Round Black Onyx Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
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    $5.00

    Matte Round Black Onyx Beads (6mm)

    in stock

    Admire the dark hue of these genuine Black Onyx Beads. Like the darkness of night, these beads can add an element of mystery to your creative desig...

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    $5.00 - $5.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
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    $5.00
  • Matte Round Rose Quartz Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $8.04 - $8.04
    $8.04
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    Matte Round Rose Quartz Beads (8mm)

    Only 8 left!

    Rose Quartz is said to be a stone that represents one’s heart, and is found in varoius areas across the world including Madagascar, Germany, India ...

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    $8.04 - $8.04
    $8.04
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  • Round Pink Zebra Jasper Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $7.58 - $7.58
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    Round Pink Zebra Jasper Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    The 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...

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    $7.58 - $7.58
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  • Turquoise Sea Sediment Jasper Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
    $13.36 - $13.36
    $13.36
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    Turquoise Sea Sediment Jasper Beads (6mm)

    in stock

    Great strand of green jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individu...

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    $13.36 - $13.36
    $13.36
    $13.36
    $13.36 - $13.36
    $13.36
  • Black Volcanic Lava Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $10.64
    $10.64 - $10.64
    $10.64
    $7.45
    $7.45 - $7.45
    $7.45

    Black Volcanic Lava Beads (10mm)

    in stock

    These 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...

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    $10.64
    $10.64 - $10.64
    $10.64
    $7.45
    $7.45 - $7.45
    $7.45
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  • Earthy Turquoise Chip Beads (36" Strand) - The Bead Chest
    $12.16 - $12.16
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    Earthy Turquoise Chip Beads (36" Strand)

    in stock

    Check out this amazing strand of high-quality stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable acc...

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    $12.16 - $12.16
    $12.16
    $12.16
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    $12.16
  • White Round Howlite Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $9.86 - $9.86
    $9.86
    $9.86
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    $9.86

    White Round Howlite Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Add a level of fine craftsmanship to your designs with our White Howlite beads. White Howlite beads make for a great spacer and accent piece in nec...

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    $9.86 - $9.86
    $9.86
    $9.86
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    $9.86
  • Medley of Afghan Gemstone Beads - The Bead Chest
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20

    Medley of Afghan Gemstone Beads

    in stock

    From the mountains of Afghanistan, this exciting medley includes a wide variety of delightful beads including lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, and ot...

    View full details
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
  • Dark Turquoise Tiny Heishi Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $27.36
    $27.36 - $27.36
    $27.36
    $21.28
    $21.28 - $21.28
    $21.28

    Dark Turquoise Tiny Heishi Beads (4mm)

    in stock

    These beautiful tiny heishi beads are made of natural turquoise from Afghanistan. Each unique strand is about 15-16 inches long with beads measurin...

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    $27.36
    $27.36 - $27.36
    $27.36
    $21.28
    $21.28 - $21.28
    $21.28
    Save 22% Save %
  • Carolina Blue Sea Sediment Jasper Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
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    Carolina Blue Sea Sediment Jasper Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Great strand of blue jasper beads. Beautiful marbled pattern on each bead gives a distinct look. Versatile beads for any beading project. Individua...

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    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
    $15.18
    $15.18 - $15.18
    $15.18
  • Round Amazonite Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
    $9.12 - $9.12
    $9.12
    $9.12
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    $9.12

    Round Amazonite Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Amazonite is an ancient gemstone that has been loved for its beauty for centuries. According to legend, the warrior women of the ancient Amazon tri...

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    $9.12 - $9.12
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  • Matte Round Black Onyx Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
    $4.85 - $4.85
    $4.85
    $4.85
    $4.85 - $4.85
    $4.85

    Matte Round Black Onyx Beads (4mm)

    in stock

    Admire the dark hue of these genuine Black Onyx Beads. Like the darkness of night, these beads can add an element of mystery to your creative desig...

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    $4.85 - $4.85
    $4.85
    $4.85
    $4.85 - $4.85
    $4.85
  • Charcoal Black Volcanic Lava Stone Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $10.26
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    $9.12
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    Charcoal Black Volcanic Lava Stone Beads (8mm)

    in stock

    Take a look at these beautiful black beads made from volcanic stone. The special character of these bead is apparent in the texture of the surface ...

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    $10.26
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    $10.26
    $9.12
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    $9.12
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  • Hosseini Turquoise Cylinder Beads (2x4mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $21.28
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    $21.28
    $19.38
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    $19.38

    Hosseini Turquoise Cylinder Beads (2x4mm)

    in stock

    Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. Cut from coveted Persian stone, thes...

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    $21.28
    $21.28 - $21.28
    $21.28
    $19.38
    $19.38 - $19.38
    $19.38
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  • Alternating Cylindrical Afghani Turquoise Heishi Beads (2mm) - The Bead Chest
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    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $10.64
    $10.64 - $10.64
    $10.64

    Alternating Cylindrical Afghani Turquoise Heishi Beads (2mm)

    in stock

    Indulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centra...

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    $15.20
    $15.20 - $15.20
    $15.20
    $10.64
    $10.64 - $10.64
    $10.64
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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.