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The Bead Encyclopedia

The Bead Chest Encyclopedia
Every bead, explained.
The web's most complete guide to bead types, origins, history and identification — from Ghanaian glass to antique trade beads.
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Find any bead by what it's made of, where it's from, its shape, age, color, or how it's made.
Featured Archive
The Trade Bead Archive
A definitive reference for African and Venetian trade beads — identify by type, trace the origin, and date pieces by their characteristics.
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Encyclopedia entries are powered by the Bead Type metaobject. The first entry — Krobo beads — is ready to preview.