• Bohemian Crystal Faceted Chandelier Trade Beads, Circa Early 1900’s (Origin: Europe; Collected: Africa)
• Black “Snake” Interlocking Trade Beads, Circa Early 1900’s (Origin: Europe; Collected: Africa)
• Handcrafted Sterling Silver Toggle Clasp from Thailand
• Sterling Silver Findings
• Finished with Silver French Bullion
• Length: 16.25”

N0809-135:

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BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL FACETED CHANDELIER TRADE BEADS: These faceted crystal chandelier “prisms” are believed to have been handcrafted and hand-cut in Bohemian Europe during the early 1900s. Since they were collected in Africa, apparently they were used as some type of trade bead or barter beads. Another possibility is that they were part of a chandelier which once adorned a wealthy ex-pat’s home in Africa.

BOHEMIAN GLASS SNAKE PATTERN BEADS: Many Bohemian chevron-shaped (snake) glass beads were made in a molding method. These interlocking beads were probably made by the Prosser technique which is a special type of molding. Brothers Richard and Thomas Prosser invented a machine in 1840 to accomplish an almost seamless and precise mold. The machine subjects a pellet of clay mixed with other ingredients to pressure in a die. Then they are fired and the finished beads are quite exact in form. Prosser beads will have seams but they are hard to spot and on the interlocking beads, the seams are along one edge. These black snake beads are Circa early 1900s (Origin: Bohemian Europe; Collected: Africa).