Afghan Bead Set: Lapis, Turquoise & Roman Glass (8 Strands, 1-14mm)

8 strands of Afghan stone and ancient glass beads, about 1500 beads in all, in lapis blue, turquoise and soft greens.

What's included (numbers match the numbered photo)

• #1 Tiny Blue Turquoise Stone Saucer Heishi: 1-2 x 2-2.5mm beads, under 1mm hole, 14-15" strand, about 330 beads
• #2 Sliced Cylinder Heishi Lapis Lazuli: 1-2 x 3-5mm beads, under 1mm hole, 14" strand, about 160 beads
• #3 Medley of Afghan Lapis and Turquoise: 1-4 x 1-3mm beads, under 1mm hole, 16" strand, about 250 beads
• #4 Light Green Serpentine Heishi: 1-3 x 4mm beads, 1mm hole, 14" strand, about 160 beads
• #5 Sea Foam Green Turquoise Saucer: 1-2 x 4mm beads, 1mm hole, 16" strand, about 240 beads
• #6 Lapis Lazuli Tiny Cylindrical Heishi: 1-2 x 2-3mm beads, under 1mm hole, 11-12" strand, about 130 beads
• #7 Turquoise and Malachite-Style Medley Heishi: 2mm beads, under 1mm hole, 15" strand, about 210 beads
• #8 Circular Ancient Roman Glass (Thick Cut): 10-20 x 6-14mm beads, 2mm hole, 16" strand, about 24 beads

Details

• Bead sizes are measured ranges; natural stone and ancient glass vary from bead to bead within them
• Small holes: best on beading wire, fine cord or silk thread
• The Roman glass is recovered from ancient vessels found along the old Silk Road and cut into beads; the tone of lapis may vary slightly from strand to strand

These beads come from Afghanistan, where lapis lazuli, turquoise and serpentine have been cut into beads for thousands of years, and where ancient Roman glass from Silk Road sites is cut into chunky discs. The fine heishi strands make easy spacers and layering strands, and the Roman glass adds a weathered focal. A cohesive blue and green palette for designers making boho, coastal or earthy pieces.