• Early 1900’s (approximately 1920) African Trade Beads handcrafted in Venice, Italy – Matched Millefiori Pattern) – and collected from Africa
• Handcrafted Sterling Silver Rondelles and Toggle Clasp from Thailand
• Sterling Silver Findings
• Finished with Silver French Bullion
• Length: 16”
• N0711-101

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MATCHED MILLEFIORI MOSAIC AFRICAN TRADE BEADS: These beads were made in Venice, Italy and collected from African and date to the early 1900’s. Millefiori is an Italian word meaning “a thousand flowers” and are known throughout the world as mosaic beads. 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 would glass core and made into beads. As with most African Trade Beads, each bead has a certain pattern name attributed to them. It is extremely hard to find “matched” beads together and these yellow, orange, blue and black beads are of the “honey comb” pattern. These beads have traveled at least three continents and have graced numerous owners. Small chips, corrosion and pitting are a normal part of their patina, attesting to their age and extensive use. Old African Trade Beads are among the hottest collectibles in the world today and have formed the basis of private bead collections due to their infinite variety and stories behind them. African Traders are having to go deeper into Africa to find more of these beads today and many styles that were readily available 5 years ago are no longer seen today.
 

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