AF480. This is a wonderful bracelet from Africa - made
from leather which has been stitched with beads. It ties shut at
the back. The rectangular shape at the front is 4 inches wide and
1 1/2 inches tall. The bracelet is 8 inches around when closed at
its tightest. I have a small wrist but tried the bracelet out by
pushing it up my forearm a little and it looked great. This is a
vintage piece that has been worn as you can see by the wear on the
leather, and the burnished finish that it has acquired. This is a
memorable piece. $75.US.
AF479.
If you are a collector of imitation beads this is a great
example with a variety of styles. Real amber beads, popular in
the north of Africa are getting both rare and expensive, so love of the
amber beads creates imitations. This variety included 2 types of
glass beads and 4 types of plastic beads. I have a 6 1/2 inch
wrist and these are strung on elastic and fit me tightly and perfectly.
This was bought in Ghana by a group of students who are working
on raising money for the Adom Daycare in the Akuapem Hills of Ghana.
The transparent bead is a little over 1 1/2 inches long and an
inch in diameter. $35.US.
AF478. There are slightly over 22 inches of beads on this
strand including wax cast bronze ones (7/8 inches long) and "vulcanite"
beads in red and navy blue. This was bought in Ghana by the
students who visited to work with the Adom Daycare in the Akuapem Hills
of Ghana. $38.US. (sold)
AF477. Here is an attractive South African seed bead
necklace. The beads are strung onto fine wires so are very firm
sitting gracefully in rows around the neck. When clasped the
inside of the necklace is 13 inches around. It can be worn
un-clasped though, and for security a ribbon could be tied at the back.
That is quite typical. This would also look wonderful in a
display case. When closed the piece measures 10 inches from the
back to the bottom of the longest wire at the front. The piece is
probably 30-40 years old. $75.US. (sold)
AF476.
Here is a wonderful necklace made in Ghana and bought by the
above students. I hadn't seen this kind of pendant before (and
there are two slim matching beads on the strand) made of melted glass.
A stick must hve been poked through while the glass was still
molten to make the stringing hole. The beads are made from carved
bone, and the clasp from a bent brass wire. The necklace is 20
inches long and the pendant a little over 1 1/2 inches. This is
quite unusual. $38.US.
AF369. These two old silver rings are quite expensive
- but I thought that they were interesting and unusual enough to bring
to the pages. These are Ethiopian and could easily have been made
to contain some magical properties. The rings are both around a size
10.5 - 11. $150.US/each ring
(#2 is sold, #1 is available)
AF370. These two strands of beads are known as "amazonite"
but are a combination of stones. There is a combination of ages of
beads too - ranging from ancient to some newly cut. They look absolutely
wonderful and it is good to see that the working of beads in Africa can
become a business again. The 34+ inch strands look great and wearable
as is, but the beads are great for projects too as they have unusually
large stringing holes. $395.US/each strand (both are sold)
AF371. These 25 inch long strands of ancient carnelians are
very attractive. They have a good warm colour. $115.US/each
strand. (all are sold) 
AF373. All are sold. $110.US.
AF375. These are all old Ethiopian crosses. Most have
the original hanging loops on them and you can see the wear. A few
have had them replaced as they have worn through. $75.US/each cross.
(all are sold)
AF376. These are all old Ethiopian crosses. Most have
the original hanging loops on them and you can see the wear. A few
have had them replaced as they have worn through. $65.US/each cross.
(#7, #8, & #13 are available, all others are sold)
AF377. These are all old Ethiopian crosses. Most have
the original hanging loops on them and you can see the wear. A few
have had them replaced as they have worn through. $95.US/each cross.
(#7, #8, #9 & #10 are sold)
AF379. Silver Ethiopian beads, often used wound around
the ankles - I find these really great to use as spacers in other projects
- sold at $1.50 gram.. Strand #1 - 10 1/2 inches - 51 grams - $76.50.
Strand #2 - 11 1/2 inches - 76.2 grams - $114.30.
Strand #3 - 22 inches - 50.1 grams - $75.15. Strand
#4 - 22 inches - 42.9 grams - $44.40. Strand #5
- 10 1/2 inches - 16.3 grams - $24.45. (all are sold, I will hope to have more in March 2011)
AF386. Aluminum beads are made from old melted down pots and
pans. Nothing gets wasted. They average about 24 inches in
length... $36.US/each strand. (all are sold)
AF387.
These brass pieces are worn as nose rings or hair pendants in
Nigeria by the Kanuri and the Fulani women in Mali. The work on
these two pieces is exceptionally detailed. The smaller piece #1
is quite worn on one said and smoothed in the central part. It
reminds me of a curled up caterpillar. The piece is 1 inch across
at its longest. $45.US. The larger piece #2 is deeply
carved in a spiral pattern. The bronze is a rich dark colour.
It is exceptional. $115.US. (#2 is sold)
AF388. These ancient carnelian beads are mixed with odd
bits and pieces, sometimes quite special little glass beads. The
strands average 35-36 inches long. $105.US. (all are sold)
AF389. Here are more ancient carnelian beads. One
must look closely to see what unusual beads are hidden here and there.
The strands average 35-36 inches long. $105.US. (all are sold)
AF390. This is a Tuareg pendant similar to the one shown
on page 55 of "a World of Necklaces". The pendant section is 4
inches tall and 3 3/4 inches wide. It is made of silver and
hammered into a pyramid type of shape. In the description in the
book the author says "Tcherot
are worn by the men. The various metals are believed to protect
them from the many evil spirits prowling in the desert." It is
fine strands of leather that are traditionally woven into suspension
strands and bound into tassles. The leather reaches 14 1/2 inches
(29 inches total) to behind the neck. $345.US.
AF393.
I believe that this is a Zulu or Swazi piece, but I am just
guessing. It is very tightly woven of beads in a rectangle 10 1/4
inches by 6 inches. There are triangles added onto the sides.
There are a very few missing beads here which could be added, but
they don't spoil the beauty of this piece. At each corner is a
cord with bow shaped bead designs knotted onto it. I wonder if
this was worn at the neck or simply used as a decoration on a wall or
table. All I truly know is that I like it. $85.US
AF394. This is quite a weighty thing - a stone mortar and
pestle from Africa. I don't know what country it was brought from
but these are used in many countries and have been for thousands of
years. The mortar is 4 3/4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.
You can grind grains, spices, leaves, etc. against the stone with
a suitable indentation. The stone is 3 inches by 3 1/2 inches
across, and 1 3/4 inches tall at its tallest. $185.US for the set. 
AF431. These are very attractive richly coloured ancient
carnelian beads. Strand #1 is the darkest measuring 28 inches
long. Strand #2 is 28 inches long. Strand #3 is 27 inches
long. Strand #4 is the only strand of tubular beads at 26 inches
long. Each strand is $95.US. (all are sold)
AF432. These transluscent quartz strands average 26
inches long. They are attractive ancient beads traded into Africa
long ago. Strand #1 is $85.US. Strand #2 is $120.US.
Strand #3 is $85.US. Strand #4 is $85.US. (all are sold)
AF433. I always like the look of these straightforward
tubular opaque quartz beads. They mix well with others. The
beads average 24 inches in length and are $55.US/each strand. (all are sold)
AF437. These brass pendant pieces are $34.US each.
They were originally sewn onto fabric but would look great hung
from necklaces with beads or pendants hanging from them. The
largest one is just under 2 inches in diameter. (# 1, #4 & $6 are available, all others are sold)
AF440. This is a nice and heavy strand of granite beads
in a variety of shapes. There are 26 inches of beads here with
the ones at the front averaging a diameter of 7/8 inch across.
There is a subtle difference in colours here as well.
$160.US. (sold)
AF444. Carnelian beads brought out of Djenne, North
Africa. Strand #1 is 30 inches long. $105.US.
Strand #2 is 28 inches long. $105.US. (both are sold)
AF445. Extra long carnelian beads brought out of Djenne,
North Africa probably coming originally from India measuring 43 inches
long. $145.US. (sold)
AF446. Extra long graduated strand of carnelian beads
brought out of Djenne, Mali probably coming originally from India
measuring 41 inches long. $155.US. (both are sold)
AF447. Carnelian beads brought out of Djenne Mali.
Strand #1 is 28 inches long - $78.US. Strand #2 is 27
inches long - $85.US. Strand #3 is 26 1/2 inches long - $85.US.
Strand #4 is 27 1/2 inches long - $85.US. (#1 is available, all others are sold)
AF448. Carnelian beads brought out of Djenne Mali.
Strand #1 is 28 inches long. $85.US. Strand #2 is 24
inches long. $95.US. (#1 is on hold)
AF449. Mixed carnelian strand brought out of Djenne Mali
- 29 inches long. $75.US. (sold)
AF450. Strand #1 - just under 27 inches of beautifully
cut ancient quartz from Djenne Mali - $95.US. Strand #2 - just
under 27 inches of nicely graduated ancient quartz beads from Djenne
Mali - $95.US.
AF451. Quartz beads brought out of Djenne Mali - Strand
#1 is 31 inches long. $115.US. Strand #2 is 30 inches
long. $115.US. (both are sold)
AF452. Here are 28 inches of ancient quartz beads found
in Djenne Mali. The dented central bead is 1 inch in diameter and
1 3/8 inches long. $110.US.
AF453. Here are two strands of transluscent/transparent
ancient quartz beads found in Djenne Mali. Strand #1 is 26 inches
long. $110.US. Strand #2 is also 26 inches long.
$110.US. (both are sold)
AF454. Strand of rough quartz beads with lots of
character, strung with Roman/Islamic glass beads. They look great
together just the way that they are. The strand is 29 inches long
- $95.US. (sold)
AF457. Brass pendants - #1 is 2 inches tall - you
can average the rest when you compare them. $28.US/each. (#5 & #8 are sold)
AF458. Yemeni silver necklace measures 15 inches when
clasped. It is an antique piece but the coins are a fair bit
newer. They could be easily replaced. The central pendant
is 1 1/4 inches tall. $155.US. (sold) 
AF460. This is a beautiful original antique, worn
Ethiopian cross NOT a copy as on sees often these days. The
original hanging loop at the top must have worn through from use, as it
has been replaced, again a long time ago as it has some wear on it as
well. It is good and strong though and has a lot more years of
wear on it. The cross has decorative zig zags on both sides so
can face either way. 2 1/2 inches tall. $110.US.
AF461. I was very happy to find some beautiful old coral
in a very good colour. I have been looking for these smaller
beads for a while now. This strand is a little over 28 inchs long
with the longest central bead measuring 1 1/8 inches in length.
They are very nicely graduated as well. $324.US. (sold)
AF462. Here is a quite wonderful 50 inches long strand of
natural old coral beads. It can be mixed with silver or other
beads very nicely, could be the basis for a three strand necklace or
one long one, or a number of projects. It just takes creativity.
$446.US. (sold)
AF463. This strand of natural old coral beads is 33
inches long. The largest beads are about 5/16 inch in diameter.
These beads are nicely graduated and ready to be made into
something notable. $460.US. (sold)
AF464. These natural old coral beads are a little larger
than AF463. They have a very robust look. The strand is 35
inches long with the largest beads being 3/8 inch in diameter.
This is long enough to make a double strand necklace.
$728.US. (sold)
AF465. I have two strands of natural, old, tubular coral
beads here. The colour is just amazing, rich and strong...
#1 is 21 inches long with the beads averaging 3/4 inch long. They
are good smooth beads with bits of texture here and there to show their
natural origin. $648.US. #2 is 21 inches long with beads
that are just slightly narrower. $560.US. (#1 is available - it is the only African coral that I have at the moment - #2 is sold)
AF466. There are 14 inches of beads on this strand, and
the necklace itself is 15 inches around so I think a lot of people
would want to take it apart and make something new out of the
materials. The necklace consists of beautiful rich coloured
antique amazonite, with 3 spotted antique Venetian glass beads and one
sodalite (it has a chip at one end but looks great on a strand like
this) along with an old shell pendant. $350.US. (sold)
AF467. I have a good variety of granite beads from Africa
here. Strand #1 is 36 inches long for $45.US. Strand #2 is
25 inches long for $35.US. and Strand #3 is 22 inches long
for $35.US. (#1 is sold)
AF468. There are five strands of granite beads here from
Africa. Some of them are mixed with glass trade beads that
originated in Venice. Strands #1, #2 & #3 average 28 inches
in length and are $45.US/each strand. Strands #4, #5, & #6
average 25 inches in length and are $35.US/each strand.
AF469. granite beads from Africa. $35.US/each strand.
AF470. This is a hefty strand of beads measuring 28
inches in length. The fattest beads on the strand average 1 inch
in diameter. The smallest beads at the ends of the strand average
3/8 inch in diameter. The quartz beads are nicely smoothed and
have an almost silky feel to them. I think they look great just
as they are, but a strand that fits closely to the neck would be great
as well. $145.US. (sold) 
AF471. I don't see this flat diamond cut of bead too
often anymore. They were most likely cut in India and traded into
Mali on the trade route. The beads are mostly quartz and
carnelian with a few old glass beads thrown in as well. The
strands have about 29 inches of beads on them. $145.US/each
strand (both sold)
AF473.
This long strand of "Bushmen beads" was bought in South Africa
in 1957 or so... The strand is 110 inches long and closed with a
loop over a button. I rarely get old pieces from this part of the
world and was quite thrilled with this collectible piece. The
beads are white and have brown worn into them from use. The cord
is a tough brown string which looks handspun. $245.US.
AF474. Here is a simple strong of antique quartz beads
from Africa. They have a light brown colour to them and darker
spots in the pitting on the beads created during their long life.
They have been washed so this is the natural colour of the strand
giving it an interesting and attractive tone. The strand is 29
inches long and the beads average 7/16 inch in diameter. They
have nice sized holes that a thick cord can go through. $130.US. (sold)
AF475. These antique silver Ethiopian pendants have been
strung onto a silver wire and can be worn like this. Or they can
be pulled off and mixed with beads or strung on a cord... it is
up to your imagination. The pendant in front is a little under 1
1/4 inches wide and 1 7/8 inches tall. The wire goes around about
16 inches. This is a good value at $35.US. (sold)
AF472. I have two strands of beads here. The first
is almost all crystal and the second has carnelian beads mixed in.
These are ancient beads from the trade route of Djenne, Mali.
I can easily say that they are all over 1000 years old, but the
can easily be twice as old or older. Strand #1 is 39 inches long
with the largest central bead being 7/8 inch in diameter. It has
one rather remarkable bead that seems to be an eye bead. $165.US
Strand #2 is 40 inches long with the largest central bead
being slightly over 1 inch in diameter. $155.US (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
AF314. Here are some old kitabs. Some could use a little
cleaning - I am selling them just as they were when I bought them.
#1 is old silver 1 1/2 inches tall plus hanging loop - $75.US. #2
is silver on brass 3 inches tall - $120.US. #3 is debased silver
and 1 3/4 inches tall plus hanging loop - $65.US. #4 is old
silver almost 1 1/2 inches tall - $75.US. (#3 is available)
AF266. There are two strands of ancient agates here brought
out of Africa. My bead dealer is from Ghana but these were found
further north. They are quite remarkable. I would assume that
many of the beads originated in India, and are mixed with odd beads carved
in Africa itself. Strand #1 is over 40 inches long and has some fat
stone beads contrasting with the delicate ones. There is a blocky
pendant too. There are also shell hoops hung upon it. It is
a great and eclectic mix that I find very inspiring. $345.US. (#1
is sold) Strand #2 is 44 inches long and generally
filled with small and delicate beads. There are lots of perfect oval
ones in a nice range of colours. There is also a central pendant
of a deep brown oval stone over 1 inch long. Very nice. $300.US.
(all are sold)
AF167. This kohl applicator
compares very favourably with the ones illustrated on page 347 of "Splendeurs
de Maroc", a book which is filled with the best examples of North African
jewellery. Found in Southern Morocco, the Tuareg influence is very
visible. This would make an interesting and attractive pendant on
a necklace or would be beautiful hanging from a simple ribbon or chain.
This bronze piece measures 3 inches long, with almost half being decorated.
Beautifully detailed and worn, it is a special piece. Early 20th
century. (one stud missing) - $60.US.
to place an order please click here.
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to "Contents" page
.....Ancient beads
.....Eastern beads and ornaments
.....Southeast Asia
.....India
.....African trade beads
.....North Africa
.....the Americas including preColumbian
.....Europe
.....Modern copies of ancient objects
.....Odds and ends
.....a small selection of necklaces
.........Mexico
- traditional rebozos and market shopping