Assorted Antique Fancy Venetian Trade Beads #17766

A beautiful 38-inch strand of antique fancy Venetian glass trade beads, composed primarily of round beads decorated with striking applied patterns. The strand features an especially attractive selection of rare black Venetian beads with gold-colored decoration, including swirling and ribbon-like designs accented with yellow, red, pink, and white glass. Several contrasting fancy beads add additional color and variety to the strand. Each bead was individually crafted by Venetian glass artisans, giving the strand the irregularity and character associated with older handmade trade beads. Beads measure approximately 11–13 x 10–14mm and are traditionally strung on raffia. Venetian glass beads were produced in an extraordinary variety of patterns and exported around the world, becoming particularly important in African trade and adornment. By the early 17th century, Murano alone had hundreds of bead-making firms producing beads for global export. The unusual gold-patterned varieties represented in this strand are particularly eye-catching and increasingly difficult to find. A rare and collectible strand well suited for collectors, display, or distinctive jewelry and design projects.