This necklace has so many different and unsual beads. The centerpiece is a carved ironstone bead with Asian motifs. Other beads included red dyed seed beads, peach pits, wood, bone, and very special antique red and white striped African trade beads from my personal collection. Italians have been making beads for centuries. Beads from Venice (Murano) were used by order European explorers and traders arriving in West Africa in the early fifteenth century. They were bartered by Africans for incense, ivory, tortoiseshell, horn, oils, timber, iron, and other metals. Hence, the name African trade beads. Due to their handwork and age, you should expect irregularities. This contributes to their historical significance and current high value. These are from my own personal 40-year old bead collection.
This necklace is 20" long plus a 3" long extender chain. It is one of a kind and made by me in my San Francisco studio.
Product code: Elements order of Nature and African Trade Bead Statement Necklace