• Watermelon Tabular Millefiori Venetian/African Trade Bead, Circa late 1800s (Origin: Venice; Collected: Africa)
• Black and White (Very Rare Color) Chevron Venetian/African Trade Beads, Circa late 1800s (Origin: Venice; Collected: Africa)
• Sterling Silver Findings
• Handcrafted Sterling Silver Hook and Eye Clasp from Sri Lanka
• Black Greek Leather Cord
• Length: 18”

N0908-149: $125.00 (free S&H)

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WATERMELON TABULAR MILLEFIORI TRADE BEAD: This particular bead, which resembles a watermelon pattern, was handmade in Venice, Italy and collected from Africa. Millefiori is an Italian word meaning “a thousand flowers” and are known as “mosaic” beads throughout the world. The making of millefiori beads is a two-step process. First the murrine or cane is made and then these are applied to a molten wound glass core and made into beads. The millefiori beads made in Venice were imported to Africa in the late 1800’s and traded or sold for various goods. This bead’s uniqueness is also due to its tabular shape, instead of a round or cylindrical shape.

BLACK AND WHITE CHEVRON BEADS: Venetian Chevron beads are the most beautiful, recognizable and collectible of all of the Venetian “Trade Beads” and are also referred to as “Rosetta” and “Star” beads. Chevron beads are made by a multi-part process – the beadmaker starts with the making of the cane, then another color glass is added, and is usually put into a 12 point star mold. The glass is then stretched out (drawn) and pinched on the ends. Chevrons are counted from the inner most layer around the core to the outermost layer. Layers are typically counted by the different colors – 10 being the most (1400s – 1500s), and 3 being the least (1700s). The more number of layers, the more value and interest is placed on the bead.