This
page features African trade beads
which were shipped in huge amounts over thousands of years.
Please
remember to hit "refresh" or "reload" on your browser to view the
latest
additions - I have just added some new bead strands - - Please click on the small pictures to see
the item in
full... and if you see the preview picture at about 1 3/8 inches tall it is close to life size...
BE469. The baby
chevrons are $22.US/each strand. (#4 is available, all others are sold)
BE470. The baby
chevrons are $22.US/each strand. (#2 & #3 are available, all others are sold
BE471. The baby
chevrons are $22.US/each strand. (#4 is available)
BE472. I have a
group of chevrons here, averaging 20 to 21 inches in length. $20.US/each
strand
BE482. Kakamba
- $18.US/each strand (#2 is available)
BE484. Kakamba
- $18.US/each strand (#3 & #7 are available)
BE487. Russian
blues - $150.US/each strand.
BE488. Russian
blues - $165.US (#3 is sold)
BE493. Mixed fancy
beads - 28 inches long - $75.US/each strand. (#2 is sold)
BE495. Strand #1
with one clear twisted bead - a real collector's bead - $35.US. Strand
#2 - really clear deepRussian blues (4 with breaks) 25 inches long.
$145.US. (#2 is available)
BE497. Kakamba beads $18/strand. (#1, #2, #3 & #4 are sold)
BE501. Kakamba beads $18/strand. (#1, #3, #4 & #6 are sold)
BE502. Kakamba beads $18/strand. (#2 & #3 are available)
BE504. All of the beads here are made in Venice and
traded into Africa. #1 is a 25 inch long strand of mixed beads
including black and white eye beads, chrome on black crumb beads and
others. $70.US. Strand #2 is about 16 1/2 inches long and
it has "eyes" of pale blues and pinks. The beads are not in
perfect shape but show their age quite nicely. $85.US. #3
is almost 32 inches long with 18 inches of "eye" beads and the rest in
crumb beads. $120.US. (#1 is sold)
BE505. These 23 inch long strands of beads have some nice
varieties of colours to them. Each has a broken bead on the
strand. They are $110.US/each strand. (all are sold)
BE509. Strand #1 of these "good beads" is 28 inches long.
One of the striped beads at the front is broken. The other
beads look quite good for all of the years that they have lived
through. There is an excellent variety of beads here, some of
which sell for quite a bit on their own. $95.US. Strand #2
is a chevron style strand of "good beads". They are not
officially chevrons but duplicate the look by having layers of colour
making stripes down the length of the beads. I find them very
attractive in their quiet nature. $95.US. (#1 is sold)
BE510. This is a very attractive long (32 inch) strand of
baby King beads. They average 3/8 inch in diameter with some a
little larger. The beads are smooth, the green is a dark grass
green with the typical striped patterns on them. The beads at the
end of the strand are a very nice contrast. $245.US.
BE511. Here is a 38 inch long strand of mixed beads
including Kings. The beads at the back half have a great variety
and I often see them being sold individually for quite a lot.
Together they really show each other off. $185.US.
BE516. These beads average 28 inches. Each strand
certainly has its own personality - these are not perfect beads, but
very nice ones nevertheless. $95.US/each strand. (#2 & #4 are available)
BE518. These strands are about 23 inches long. #1 is
coloured differently than in the image. The green at the back of
the strand is an opaque light grass green and the beads at the front
are transparent aqua blue. The other two strands are a midnight
blue. $25.US/each strand. (#1, #2 & #3 are sold)
BE519. Here is a 36 inch long strand of antique chevrons
from Venice. The tubular shapes are 6-layer and the short ones
are 4-layer. There are a couple of broken beads but most are in
very good condition. $655.US.
BE520. Here is a small variety of Venetian chevron beads.
Strand #1 is made up of antique 4-layer Venetian beads. The
strand is 24 inches long and waiting to become part of a necklace...
$200.US. Strand #2 is 27 inches long and made of tubular
4-layer chevrons. $50.US. Strand #3 is made of tubular
4-layer green chevrons. It is just under 24 inches long.
$55.US. (#1 & #2 are sold)
BE522. The gooseberry beads here are in two lengths.
The shorter ones average 24 inches in length and are
$36.US/each strand. The longer ones average 28 inches in
length and are $40.US/each strand.
BE524. These pale sandy glass disc beads have a very
natural look to them. There are 26 inches of beads on this
necklace averaging about 9/16 inch in diameter. $75.US.
BE529. This necklace has excellent quality black beads on
it - with multi colour spots, stripes and squiggles. The necklace
is 15 inches long with a little over 9 inches of black beads and the
rest made of Ethiopian silver beads. This is a very beautiful,
simple, but intriguing strand. $325.US.
BE531. I have two 32 inch long strands of 6 layer
chevrons here. I don't know their age or history and am a little
confused by them. They do look antique - the colours of them are
all correct but I need a chevron collector to help me out. The
beads are $300.US/each strand.
BE533. These three strands are all different, good sized
and interesting. Strand #1 is 21 inches long. The beads at
the front average 1/2 inch in diameter. There is a number of
layered chevron beads included - of various layers. $135.US.
Strand #3 is 23 inches long with beads averaging 1/2 inch in
diameter. This is a calm and comfortable colour. $110.US.
Strand #3 is 19 inches long. 2/3 of the strand are
chevrons. The others are interesting stripes, some with clear
centers. $135.US.
BE535. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand (#1 is available)
BE538. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand (#2 is available)
BE596. Here is a long strand - 39 inches of beads with
twisted lines curling around them. Of course they are much nicer
in real life - smooth glass in dark turquoise and green with stripes of
brick and chrome. They match very nicely with the next strand of
beads listed. $300.US.
BE598. This is a great 28 inch long strand of antique
Venetian beads. This is a great combination with some interesting
details on the beads. On some of the yellow beads the melted
beads still stand out a little - they weren't heated hot enough to be
totally flattened. Very attractive. $160.US.
BE599. This is a 25 inch long strand of Venetian trade
beads in warm colours - the sun shines here. In between the
brighter beads there are some wonderful little four sided beads of dark
green and yellow. They are intriguing. $95.US.
BE600. This is a long 33 inch long strand of Venetian
beads. There are three wonderful oval beads (7/8 inch long) with
roses on them. One bead has a small chip on it but the other two
are in excellent condition. There are some other interesting
single beads thrown in the strand as well. $195.US.
BE601. This is a pretty amazing strand of beads. In
the older days of trading beads there were always nice mixes to enhance
a strand. I miss getting beads that have that type of variety on
it. The beads are in excellent condition having some quite odd
and amazing ones hidden away. The strand is a little over 30
inches long. $285.US.
BE602. Well one of my favourite colours since I was a
kid, is this crazy lime green. I had to think twice before I
decided to part with these beads... Rectangular beads are a
delight as well - untypical of modern beads. The Venetian bead
makers would have to heat the glass very hot so that when they pressed
the side of a bead cylinder against a metal surface, the glass would
flatten nicely. It had to be done four times for every bead.
These beads are not perfect - there are a number with chips but I
like them anyway. There are some other curious beads mixed in
this 37 inch long strand - $155.US. (sold)
BE603. Chrome yellow is a very attractive colour and
strangely enough it mixes well with a whole range of other colours.
There are chips here and there on a few of the beads but in
general these are in good condition. They date from the 1800s and
there are some very curious beads tucked in. There are 6 oval
beads with delicate and different squiggles on them. $185.US.
BE604. Stripes, stripes and stripes. There are 31
inches of Venetian stripes here all with a yellow background.
There is a green & white one that has a soft chip in it. -
the others are in excellent condition. I think that someone
actually had fun making these. $145.US.
BE605. This is a very strong looking strand of beads.
It is 31 inches long with beads averaging 1/2 inch in diameter.
I like the beads with the squiggles but there are also unusual
beads tucked into the strand. It is always interesting to look at
the beads one after another. $295.US.
BE607. Here is another amazingly long strand - 61 inches
of beads. They are tiny flattened spotted beads from the 1800s.
They have stronger deep reds and blues on them than the photo
shows. They are quite wonderful showing true age and a long
history. $400.US. If the first customer would like to buy
half of the strand, it would be $200.US.
BE608. What a wonderful strand of tubular beads.
Once beads are made they have heat applied to them so that they
can be pressed to create flat sides. They sit different than
rounded beads and contrast nicely with round or oval silver beads.
There is one single bead that looks like it has pink flowers on
it. They are all terrific. This is 31 inches long.
$290.US.
BE610. Here is a delicate strand of beads as well as a
sturdy strand. Strand #1 is 30 inches long and has a number of
watermelon style beads. There are a couple of black beads with
white spots on them - with three spots that make them look like faces.
As always there is a nice variety here. $120.US.
Strand #2 also has mostly black based beads but they are a fair bit
larger. The strand is 30 inches long as well but looks quite
different. There are some small king style beads and two layered
beads that have a clear outer section. Quite unusual.
$185.US. (#2 is sold)
BE611. There are three different strands of beads here -
all different. Strand #1 has a nice contrast between the
turquoise blue at one end and the chrome yellow at the other.
There are some special beads on this 30 inch strand.
$160.US. Strand #2 has an attractive mix on it. It
measures 25 inches long. $85.US. Strand #3 has my
favourite lime green on it - there are three green King beads here as
well as some odd and unusual beads. It is 23 inches long.
$125.US. (#2 is sold)
BE612. French cross beads averaging 20 - 24 inches long - $35.US/each strand. (all are sold)
BE613. Strand #1 is 27 inches long. The beads are
in excellent condition except for the chrome one which has a big chip.
There are some unusual beads on this strand.
$250.US. Strand #2 is a little over 24 inches long with a good
variety of beads on it reducing to tiny ones at the back of the
necklace - all in very good condition. I love to examine these
over and over. $250.US.
BE614. I had ghost beads a while ago but they were sleek
and quite perfect. These 5 ghost beads (plus other beads of the
period) are pretty rough with pitted glass and some chips here and
there but they are the real thing. Someone strung them into this
bracelet which is on elastic so that it slips on and off.
$175.US/bracelet (sold)
BE615. Watermelon chevrons - $22.US/each strand (#1 & #2 are sold)
BE617. Watermelon chevrons - $22.US/each strand (#1, #3 & #5 are sold)
BE621.
These are very attractive "good beads" made in Venice and traded
into Africa over 100 years ago. Strand #1 is 28 inches long.
$120.US. Strand #2 is 29 inches long. $120.US.
BE622. I love the yellow stripes winding around these beads. This is 31 inches long. $120.US.
BE623. The spotted beads have been favourites for over
200 years. Each strand is unique and mixes very well with others.
Strand #1 is 28 inches long. $120.US. Strand #2 is
28 inches long. $120.
BE624. Strand #1 is 28 inches long - $120.US. Strand #2 is 28 inches long - $120.US.
BE626. Here are four strands of glass "snake beads", each
one a little different than the other. Strand #1 is 22 inches
long. Strand #2 is 22 inches long. Strand #3 is 22 inches
long. Strand #4 is 22 inches long. The beads are
$24.US/each. (#2 is sold)
BE628. Three strands of tubular blue beads which might
have been made in Holland. Strand #1 is 22 inches long.
Strand #2 is 19 inches long. Strand #3 is 23 inches long.
$12.US/each strand.
BE630. The average length of these 5 strands of kakamba beads is 23 inches. $18.US.
BE632. I love the pale colour of these flat "wedding beads". They are 24 inches long - $55.US. (sold)
BE633. These kakambas vary a little in length.
Strand #1 - 22 inches. Strand #2 - 23 inches.
Strand #3 - 23 inches. Strand #4 - 24 inches. Strand #5 -
$24 inches. The strands are $18.US/each strand. (#4 is sold)
BE634. The average length of these kakambas is 24 inches. $18.US/each strand. (#3 & #5 are sold)
BE635. These kakambas average 24 inches in length. $18.US/each strand. (#1 & #3 are sold)
BE636. These kakambas average 21 inches in length. $18.US/each strand. (#1 is sold)
BE637. The average length of these three very different
strands is 24 inches. #2 is actually a strand of baby kakambas -
quite wonderful. $8.US/each strand.
BE639. This is one of the ultimate colours of vaseline
beads - known as "seafoarm". It is an almost impossible colour to
reproduce, and the beads are getting rarer and rarer to find.
Because of the high price I divided the strand into two shorter
ones. They are each about 22 inches long with beads averaging a
little over 5/8 inch in diameter. The range of tones of the
colours are just great. $175.US/each strand. (both sold)
BE640. These vaselines are very richly coloured with a good
variety of tones. The majority have a bit of an emerald look to
them. A little over 26 inches long. $75.US.
BE641. I am always searching for small vaselines (these
are about 7/16 inches across) and these are mixed nicely with the more
average size (11/16 inch in diameter). The entire strand is 24
inches long. $85.US.
BE642. I have 28 inches of small vaselines here in a good
variety of colours. There is even a variety of shapes with a few
curious beads thrown in. $95.US.
BE643. These vaseline beads are quite rough, with 3
broken yellow ones near the front of the strand. The rest of the
beads are fine though and include two brilliant blue ones that remind
me of a perfect clear water lake. The strand is a little over 26
inches long. $75.US.
BE644. Some of these beads are considered to be
"vaselines" but not all of them. The 26 inches of dark mixture is
excellent. $70.US.
BE645. This great strand of pale blue vaseline beads is
30 inches long and lightly graduated from the back to the front.
The shades of blue work very well with each other. A few
odd beads are included for variety as well. $150.US/strand
BE646. This is a delicate 24 1/2 inch strand of trade
beads. The colours range from bright turquoise to deep red and
midnight blue. There is a variety of shapes and sizes, some of
which are very difficult to acquire now. $70.US.
BE647. This 32 inch long strand of "mixed vaselines" has
some extra value with the cornerless cubes in the front section, with
designs pressed into them. They would have originally had gold
rubbed into the lowest part of the design (you can see some gold
remaining on one of them) which is easy to reproduce by rubbing them
with a little gold paint or nail polish and wiping it quickly so that
it just settles into the deepest parts. There are also some
patterned rectangular beads closer to the back of the strand.
They are in imperfect condition, but wonderful nonetheless.
There are some "king" beads mixed in as well as a central bead
with a flourish of colour. $275.US
BE648. These yellow beads (some have a greenish flare to
them) are related to Hebrons I believe. They are wound beads
where you can see the trail of the wrapping of the glass around a core.
They were traded into Africa. The beads average 22 inches
in length. $55.US/each strand
BE649. It was much too much of a hunt this year to find
spotted beads. When I finally came across them I was happy with
the gleam of the glass, the good colour, the age (well over 100 yrs
old) and the beads with the squiggles as well as with the dots.
The red glass is wound over white so I like seeing the making of
the layers. The beads average 24 inches in length.
$165.US/each strand.
BE650. These are two sturdy groups of Venetian trade
beads. Strand #1 is just under 30 inches long and is made largely
of "good old beads" as the brown ones are often called. I like
the little bit of variety with the spotted yellow ones at the end.
Strand #2 is over 28 inches long and has a nice group of small
yellow "king" beads at the front. They average 5/8 inch in
diameter, or a little more. The mix of beads is calm and
interesting. $85.US/each strand.
BE651. This attractive mixed strand is 28 inches long. $75.US.
BE652. These are gorgeous "mixed fancies" - a variety of
Venetian trade beads... Working my way through these strands and
examining each bead is one of my forms of mediation. There is
always a bead that takes my breath away. Many of the Venetian
trade beads were made in the houses of glass workers. A portion
of the beads were made by contract where the colours and patterns had
already been determined. Other beads were made according to the
aesthetics of the maker. That is often where the surprises come
in. The beads average over 30 inches in length so are a great
bargin. $145.US/each strand.
BE653. This strand of smoky blue beads is 30 inches long.
The beads average 5/8 inch in length. $75.US.
BE654. Striped strand is a dark turquoise - it appears
much too blue and bright in the photo. There are a little over 24
inches of beads. $65.US. The strand of Russian blues with
clear and transluscent beads is a little over 22 inches long.
$130.US.
BE655. Strand #1 has an excellent variety of beads on it,
ready for an interesting project. The strand is a little over 25
inches long. $70.US. Strand #2 is a little over 26 inches
wide and has 3 green "king" beads at the front. I love the tiny
square chrome yellow bead at the back. There are some other
square beads as well, always interesting. $110.US.
BE656. I just love the lime green on a group of these
beads. Many of the stripes are mixed with a transparent glass so
it has a fascinating look from up close. The "eye" beaads are
gorgeous too, total melted beads impressed into the yellow glass...
(2 of them are broken). There is a nice mix of beads at the
end as well. $195.US.
BE657. The blue beads are more of a dark midnight shade
that what appears on the photo. They are not bright, but a rich
deep colour. The spotted trade beads are in clown like colours.
The strand is 30 inches long. $125.US.
BE658. I always love it when there is a an
unstereotypical mix of beads on a strand. This was collected over
40 years ago and the aesthetics were wonderfully different then.
The strand is 34 inches long with some great old beads on it.
$250.US.
BE659. You have to look at the individual beads here -
there are some attractive and distinctive ones - 32 inches long -
$240.US.
BE660. Strand #1 is more than 38 inches long with a great
variety of beads. There are 3 short beads with old breaks on
them. They don't show until you examine the strand - I am always
hoping to stop the bead dealers from tossing the beads since they are
glass after all, but there is often a broken bead or two.
$235.US. Strand #2 is 34 inches long with stocky
beads averaging 1/2 inch in diameter. There are 3 beads with old breaks
on them. $180.US.
BE661. These two strands of glass & crystal beads are
quite wonderful as there is a variety of shapes in each strand.
There are facets, ovals, and some vaseline shapes. They are
great to mix with everything from glass beads to metal.
$110.US/each strand.
BE662. I had a very hard time finding strands of these
transluscent spotted white beads this year. They are pretty rough
but full of character. There are over 23 inches of beads on each
strand. $75.US/each strand. (#1 is sold)
BE663. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE664. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE665. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE666. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE667. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE668. Melon beads from Venice - $28.US/each strand.
BE669. Melon beads from Venice - $28.US/each strand.
BE670. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand. (#5 is sold)
BE671. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand. (#3 is sold)
BE672. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE673. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE674. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE675. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE420. The top
strand of 26 inches of blue beads is nicely accentuated with the 5 oval Dutch
beads in the front. The strand is a mix of slices and Russian blues
in a nice mix of blues. Strand #2 is 27 inches long and made
up of good night-time blue Dutch slices of glass. It would look wonderful
with a little silver tossed in. The strands are $85.US/each.
BE422. There are
two strands of dotted black beads here. Strand #1 is 27 inches long.
It has some very attractive beads on it like the drawn rectangular one at
the end of one side of the strand. Many of the beads are rectangular
too - much more unusual than the round. It looks old and attractive.
$145.US. Strand #2 is also 27 inches long, has old beads
of varying qualities. The beads are nicely and gently graduated.
$145.US. (#2 is available)
BE436. Here are
some Bohemian beads from the early 1900s - a strand of mottled brown square
beads, a mottled brick coloured square beads, and a strand of almost white
kakambas with multi-colour specks... about 24 inches of beads on each
strand. $18.US/each strand. (#1 is available)
BE447. Strand #1
has 28 inches of beads. The cord is broken, but beads shouldn't be
worn on raffia anyway, - it is just for transporting the beads...
Strand #2 has 32 inches of beads. $120.US/each strand.
(both are sold)
BE449. Tiny striped
beads - $22.US/each strand. (#7 is available)
BE452. Russian
blues - these are in excellent condition and have a beautiful colour to them.
30 to 32 inches long. $95.US/each strand. (#1, #2 & #3 are sold)
BE453. Russian
blues - these are in excellent condition and have a beautiful colour to them
- average 30 inches long.... $135.US/each strand. (#1 is available)
BE458. Chevron
strand #1 -28 inches long - $28.US. Long brownish spotted rectangles
-34 inches long - $125.US. (#2 is available)
BE393. There are
two strands of 19th century Venetian trade beads here. The inner strand
is just under 21 inches long with beads averaging just over 1/4 inch in diameter.
They are attractive tubulars of rich grass green with chrome yellow swirls
and brick coloured dashes on them. The outer strand is just over 21
inches in length and a combo of twisted and plain yellow streaks around the
black beads. $85.US./each strand. (#2 is sold)
BE400. These are
beautiful gleaming skinny tubular beads. They have been strung with
a few beads of contrast in the front and would look gorgeous strung on a
cord with a clasp in exactly the same way. The beads average 22 inches
in length. $75.US./each strand. (#3 is sold)
BE401. The inner
strand of tubular "gooseberries" is just over 22 inches long. The middle
strand of "Russian blues" is also over 22 inches long. It has some
beautifully cut beads as well as two very attractive tubular aqua glass
beads. The outer strand has very attractive tubulars which are
about 1/4 inch in diameter. The strand is 22+ inches long.
$85.US./each strand. (#3 is available)
BE404. These are
good, hearty, heavy bead strands. Strand #1 is quite uniform in colour
and size. The strand is over 30 inches long and the beads are just
under 1/2 inch in diameter. Strand #2 has a very nice 32 inch
long collection of contrasting beads. $210.US./each strand. (#2 is available)
BE369. These two strands are
a little over 30 inches long with the largest beads averaging about 7/8 inches
across. There are king beads in a variety of designs as well as a variety
of degrees of wear. They are very handsome. #1 has a 6 layer
chevron on it, and #2 has a 4 layer chevron. $325.US/each strand.
(#2 is available)
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.....Ancient
beads
.....Eastern beads and ornaments
.....Southeast
Asia
. ....India
.....Africa
.....North
Africa
.....the
Americas including preColumbian
.....Europe
.....Modern copies
of ancient objects
.....Odds
and ends
.........Mexico -
traditional rebozos and market shopping
BE469. The baby
chevrons are $22.US/each strand. (#4 is available, all others are sold)
BE470. The baby
chevrons are $22.US/each strand. (#2 & #3 are available, all others are sold
BE471. The baby
chevrons are $22.US/each strand. (#4 is available)
BE472. I have a
group of chevrons here, averaging 20 to 21 inches in length. $20.US/each
strand 
BE482. Kakamba
- $18.US/each strand (#2 is available) 
BE484. Kakamba
- $18.US/each strand (#3 & #7 are available)
BE487. Russian
blues - $150.US/each strand. 
BE488. Russian
blues - $165.US (#3 is sold)
BE493. Mixed fancy
beads - 28 inches long - $75.US/each strand. (#2 is sold)
BE495. Strand #1
with one clear twisted bead - a real collector's bead - $35.US. Strand
#2 - really clear deepRussian blues (4 with breaks) 25 inches long.
$145.US. (#2 is available) 
BE497. Kakamba beads $18/strand. (#1, #2, #3 & #4 are sold)
BE501. Kakamba beads $18/strand. (#1, #3, #4 & #6 are sold)
BE502. Kakamba beads $18/strand. (#2 & #3 are available)
BE504. All of the beads here are made in Venice and
traded into Africa. #1 is a 25 inch long strand of mixed beads
including black and white eye beads, chrome on black crumb beads and
others. $70.US. Strand #2 is about 16 1/2 inches long and
it has "eyes" of pale blues and pinks. The beads are not in
perfect shape but show their age quite nicely. $85.US. #3
is almost 32 inches long with 18 inches of "eye" beads and the rest in
crumb beads. $120.US. (#1 is sold)
BE505. These 23 inch long strands of beads have some nice
varieties of colours to them. Each has a broken bead on the
strand. They are $110.US/each strand. (all are sold)
BE509. Strand #1 of these "good beads" is 28 inches long.
One of the striped beads at the front is broken. The other
beads look quite good for all of the years that they have lived
through. There is an excellent variety of beads here, some of
which sell for quite a bit on their own. $95.US. Strand #2
is a chevron style strand of "good beads". They are not
officially chevrons but duplicate the look by having layers of colour
making stripes down the length of the beads. I find them very
attractive in their quiet nature. $95.US. (#1 is sold)
BE510. This is a very attractive long (32 inch) strand of
baby King beads. They average 3/8 inch in diameter with some a
little larger. The beads are smooth, the green is a dark grass
green with the typical striped patterns on them. The beads at the
end of the strand are a very nice contrast. $245.US.
BE511. Here is a 38 inch long strand of mixed beads
including Kings. The beads at the back half have a great variety
and I often see them being sold individually for quite a lot.
Together they really show each other off. $185.US.
BE516. These beads average 28 inches. Each strand
certainly has its own personality - these are not perfect beads, but
very nice ones nevertheless. $95.US/each strand. (#2 & #4 are available)
BE518. These strands are about 23 inches long. #1 is
coloured differently than in the image. The green at the back of
the strand is an opaque light grass green and the beads at the front
are transparent aqua blue. The other two strands are a midnight
blue. $25.US/each strand. (#1, #2 & #3 are sold)
BE519. Here is a 36 inch long strand of antique chevrons
from Venice. The tubular shapes are 6-layer and the short ones
are 4-layer. There are a couple of broken beads but most are in
very good condition. $655.US.
BE520. Here is a small variety of Venetian chevron beads.
Strand #1 is made up of antique 4-layer Venetian beads. The
strand is 24 inches long and waiting to become part of a necklace...
$200.US. Strand #2 is 27 inches long and made of tubular
4-layer chevrons. $50.US. Strand #3 is made of tubular
4-layer green chevrons. It is just under 24 inches long.
$55.US. (#1 & #2 are sold)
BE522. The gooseberry beads here are in two lengths.
The shorter ones average 24 inches in length and are
$36.US/each strand. The longer ones average 28 inches in
length and are $40.US/each strand.
BE524. These pale sandy glass disc beads have a very
natural look to them. There are 26 inches of beads on this
necklace averaging about 9/16 inch in diameter. $75.US.
BE529. This necklace has excellent quality black beads on
it - with multi colour spots, stripes and squiggles. The necklace
is 15 inches long with a little over 9 inches of black beads and the
rest made of Ethiopian silver beads. This is a very beautiful,
simple, but intriguing strand. $325.US.
BE531. I have two 32 inch long strands of 6 layer
chevrons here. I don't know their age or history and am a little
confused by them. They do look antique - the colours of them are
all correct but I need a chevron collector to help me out. The
beads are $300.US/each strand.
BE533. These three strands are all different, good sized
and interesting. Strand #1 is 21 inches long. The beads at
the front average 1/2 inch in diameter. There is a number of
layered chevron beads included - of various layers. $135.US.
Strand #3 is 23 inches long with beads averaging 1/2 inch in
diameter. This is a calm and comfortable colour. $110.US.
Strand #3 is 19 inches long. 2/3 of the strand are
chevrons. The others are interesting stripes, some with clear
centers. $135.US.
BE535. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand (#1 is available)
BE538. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand (#2 is available)
BE596. Here is a long strand - 39 inches of beads with
twisted lines curling around them. Of course they are much nicer
in real life - smooth glass in dark turquoise and green with stripes of
brick and chrome. They match very nicely with the next strand of
beads listed. $300.US.
BE598. This is a great 28 inch long strand of antique
Venetian beads. This is a great combination with some interesting
details on the beads. On some of the yellow beads the melted
beads still stand out a little - they weren't heated hot enough to be
totally flattened. Very attractive. $160.US.
BE599. This is a 25 inch long strand of Venetian trade
beads in warm colours - the sun shines here. In between the
brighter beads there are some wonderful little four sided beads of dark
green and yellow. They are intriguing. $95.US. 
BE600. This is a long 33 inch long strand of Venetian
beads. There are three wonderful oval beads (7/8 inch long) with
roses on them. One bead has a small chip on it but the other two
are in excellent condition. There are some other interesting
single beads thrown in the strand as well. $195.US.
BE601. This is a pretty amazing strand of beads. In
the older days of trading beads there were always nice mixes to enhance
a strand. I miss getting beads that have that type of variety on
it. The beads are in excellent condition having some quite odd
and amazing ones hidden away. The strand is a little over 30
inches long. $285.US.
BE602. Well one of my favourite colours since I was a
kid, is this crazy lime green. I had to think twice before I
decided to part with these beads... Rectangular beads are a
delight as well - untypical of modern beads. The Venetian bead
makers would have to heat the glass very hot so that when they pressed
the side of a bead cylinder against a metal surface, the glass would
flatten nicely. It had to be done four times for every bead.
These beads are not perfect - there are a number with chips but I
like them anyway. There are some other curious beads mixed in
this 37 inch long strand - $155.US. (sold)
BE603. Chrome yellow is a very attractive colour and
strangely enough it mixes well with a whole range of other colours.
There are chips here and there on a few of the beads but in
general these are in good condition. They date from the 1800s and
there are some very curious beads tucked in. There are 6 oval
beads with delicate and different squiggles on them. $185.US.
BE604. Stripes, stripes and stripes. There are 31
inches of Venetian stripes here all with a yellow background.
There is a green & white one that has a soft chip in it. -
the others are in excellent condition. I think that someone
actually had fun making these. $145.US.
BE605. This is a very strong looking strand of beads.
It is 31 inches long with beads averaging 1/2 inch in diameter.
I like the beads with the squiggles but there are also unusual
beads tucked into the strand. It is always interesting to look at
the beads one after another. $295.US.
BE607. Here is another amazingly long strand - 61 inches
of beads. They are tiny flattened spotted beads from the 1800s.
They have stronger deep reds and blues on them than the photo
shows. They are quite wonderful showing true age and a long
history. $400.US. If the first customer would like to buy
half of the strand, it would be $200.US. 
BE608. What a wonderful strand of tubular beads.
Once beads are made they have heat applied to them so that they
can be pressed to create flat sides. They sit different than
rounded beads and contrast nicely with round or oval silver beads.
There is one single bead that looks like it has pink flowers on
it. They are all terrific. This is 31 inches long.
$290.US.
BE610. Here is a delicate strand of beads as well as a
sturdy strand. Strand #1 is 30 inches long and has a number of
watermelon style beads. There are a couple of black beads with
white spots on them - with three spots that make them look like faces.
As always there is a nice variety here. $120.US.
Strand #2 also has mostly black based beads but they are a fair bit
larger. The strand is 30 inches long as well but looks quite
different. There are some small king style beads and two layered
beads that have a clear outer section. Quite unusual.
$185.US. (#2 is sold)
BE611. There are three different strands of beads here -
all different. Strand #1 has a nice contrast between the
turquoise blue at one end and the chrome yellow at the other.
There are some special beads on this 30 inch strand.
$160.US. Strand #2 has an attractive mix on it. It
measures 25 inches long. $85.US. Strand #3 has my
favourite lime green on it - there are three green King beads here as
well as some odd and unusual beads. It is 23 inches long.
$125.US. (#2 is sold)
BE612. French cross beads averaging 20 - 24 inches long - $35.US/each strand. (all are sold)
BE613. Strand #1 is 27 inches long. The beads are
in excellent condition except for the chrome one which has a big chip.
There are some unusual beads on this strand.
$250.US. Strand #2 is a little over 24 inches long with a good
variety of beads on it reducing to tiny ones at the back of the
necklace - all in very good condition. I love to examine these
over and over. $250.US.
BE614. I had ghost beads a while ago but they were sleek
and quite perfect. These 5 ghost beads (plus other beads of the
period) are pretty rough with pitted glass and some chips here and
there but they are the real thing. Someone strung them into this
bracelet which is on elastic so that it slips on and off.
$175.US/bracelet (sold)
BE615. Watermelon chevrons - $22.US/each strand (#1 & #2 are sold)
BE617. Watermelon chevrons - $22.US/each strand (#1, #3 & #5 are sold) 
BE621.
These are very attractive "good beads" made in Venice and traded
into Africa over 100 years ago. Strand #1 is 28 inches long.
$120.US. Strand #2 is 29 inches long. $120.US.
BE622. I love the yellow stripes winding around these beads. This is 31 inches long. $120.US.
BE623. The spotted beads have been favourites for over
200 years. Each strand is unique and mixes very well with others.
Strand #1 is 28 inches long. $120.US. Strand #2 is
28 inches long. $120.
BE624. Strand #1 is 28 inches long - $120.US. Strand #2 is 28 inches long - $120.US.
BE626. Here are four strands of glass "snake beads", each
one a little different than the other. Strand #1 is 22 inches
long. Strand #2 is 22 inches long. Strand #3 is 22 inches
long. Strand #4 is 22 inches long. The beads are
$24.US/each. (#2 is sold)
BE628. Three strands of tubular blue beads which might
have been made in Holland. Strand #1 is 22 inches long.
Strand #2 is 19 inches long. Strand #3 is 23 inches long.
$12.US/each strand.
BE630. The average length of these 5 strands of kakamba beads is 23 inches. $18.US.
BE632. I love the pale colour of these flat "wedding beads". They are 24 inches long - $55.US. (sold)
BE633. These kakambas vary a little in length.
Strand #1 - 22 inches. Strand #2 - 23 inches.
Strand #3 - 23 inches. Strand #4 - 24 inches. Strand #5 -
$24 inches. The strands are $18.US/each strand. (#4 is sold)
BE634. The average length of these kakambas is 24 inches. $18.US/each strand. (#3 & #5 are sold)
BE635. These kakambas average 24 inches in length. $18.US/each strand. (#1 & #3 are sold)
BE636. These kakambas average 21 inches in length. $18.US/each strand. (#1 is sold)
BE637. The average length of these three very different
strands is 24 inches. #2 is actually a strand of baby kakambas -
quite wonderful. $8.US/each strand.
BE639. This is one of the ultimate colours of vaseline
beads - known as "seafoarm". It is an almost impossible colour to
reproduce, and the beads are getting rarer and rarer to find.
Because of the high price I divided the strand into two shorter
ones. They are each about 22 inches long with beads averaging a
little over 5/8 inch in diameter. The range of tones of the
colours are just great. $175.US/each strand. (both sold)
BE640. These vaselines are very richly coloured with a good
variety of tones. The majority have a bit of an emerald look to
them. A little over 26 inches long. $75.US.
BE641. I am always searching for small vaselines (these
are about 7/16 inches across) and these are mixed nicely with the more
average size (11/16 inch in diameter). The entire strand is 24
inches long. $85.US.
BE642. I have 28 inches of small vaselines here in a good
variety of colours. There is even a variety of shapes with a few
curious beads thrown in. $95.US.
BE643. These vaseline beads are quite rough, with 3
broken yellow ones near the front of the strand. The rest of the
beads are fine though and include two brilliant blue ones that remind
me of a perfect clear water lake. The strand is a little over 26
inches long. $75.US.
BE644. Some of these beads are considered to be
"vaselines" but not all of them. The 26 inches of dark mixture is
excellent. $70.US.
BE645. This great strand of pale blue vaseline beads is
30 inches long and lightly graduated from the back to the front.
The shades of blue work very well with each other. A few
odd beads are included for variety as well. $150.US/strand
BE646. This is a delicate 24 1/2 inch strand of trade
beads. The colours range from bright turquoise to deep red and
midnight blue. There is a variety of shapes and sizes, some of
which are very difficult to acquire now. $70.US.
BE647. This 32 inch long strand of "mixed vaselines" has
some extra value with the cornerless cubes in the front section, with
designs pressed into them. They would have originally had gold
rubbed into the lowest part of the design (you can see some gold
remaining on one of them) which is easy to reproduce by rubbing them
with a little gold paint or nail polish and wiping it quickly so that
it just settles into the deepest parts. There are also some
patterned rectangular beads closer to the back of the strand.
They are in imperfect condition, but wonderful nonetheless.
There are some "king" beads mixed in as well as a central bead
with a flourish of colour. $275.US
BE648. These yellow beads (some have a greenish flare to
them) are related to Hebrons I believe. They are wound beads
where you can see the trail of the wrapping of the glass around a core.
They were traded into Africa. The beads average 22 inches
in length. $55.US/each strand
BE649. It was much too much of a hunt this year to find
spotted beads. When I finally came across them I was happy with
the gleam of the glass, the good colour, the age (well over 100 yrs
old) and the beads with the squiggles as well as with the dots.
The red glass is wound over white so I like seeing the making of
the layers. The beads average 24 inches in length.
$165.US/each strand.
BE650. These are two sturdy groups of Venetian trade
beads. Strand #1 is just under 30 inches long and is made largely
of "good old beads" as the brown ones are often called. I like
the little bit of variety with the spotted yellow ones at the end.
Strand #2 is over 28 inches long and has a nice group of small
yellow "king" beads at the front. They average 5/8 inch in
diameter, or a little more. The mix of beads is calm and
interesting. $85.US/each strand.
BE651. This attractive mixed strand is 28 inches long. $75.US.
BE652. These are gorgeous "mixed fancies" - a variety of
Venetian trade beads... Working my way through these strands and
examining each bead is one of my forms of mediation. There is
always a bead that takes my breath away. Many of the Venetian
trade beads were made in the houses of glass workers. A portion
of the beads were made by contract where the colours and patterns had
already been determined. Other beads were made according to the
aesthetics of the maker. That is often where the surprises come
in. The beads average over 30 inches in length so are a great
bargin. $145.US/each strand.
BE653. This strand of smoky blue beads is 30 inches long.
The beads average 5/8 inch in length. $75.US. 
BE654. Striped strand is a dark turquoise - it appears
much too blue and bright in the photo. There are a little over 24
inches of beads. $65.US. The strand of Russian blues with
clear and transluscent beads is a little over 22 inches long.
$130.US.
BE655. Strand #1 has an excellent variety of beads on it,
ready for an interesting project. The strand is a little over 25
inches long. $70.US. Strand #2 is a little over 26 inches
wide and has 3 green "king" beads at the front. I love the tiny
square chrome yellow bead at the back. There are some other
square beads as well, always interesting. $110.US.
BE656. I just love the lime green on a group of these
beads. Many of the stripes are mixed with a transparent glass so
it has a fascinating look from up close. The "eye" beaads are
gorgeous too, total melted beads impressed into the yellow glass...
(2 of them are broken). There is a nice mix of beads at the
end as well. $195.US.
BE657. The blue beads are more of a dark midnight shade
that what appears on the photo. They are not bright, but a rich
deep colour. The spotted trade beads are in clown like colours.
The strand is 30 inches long. $125.US.
BE658. I always love it when there is a an
unstereotypical mix of beads on a strand. This was collected over
40 years ago and the aesthetics were wonderfully different then.
The strand is 34 inches long with some great old beads on it.
$250.US.
BE659. You have to look at the individual beads here -
there are some attractive and distinctive ones - 32 inches long -
$240.US.
BE660. Strand #1 is more than 38 inches long with a great
variety of beads. There are 3 short beads with old breaks on
them. They don't show until you examine the strand - I am always
hoping to stop the bead dealers from tossing the beads since they are
glass after all, but there is often a broken bead or two.
$235.US. Strand #2 is 34 inches long with stocky
beads averaging 1/2 inch in diameter. There are 3 beads with old breaks
on them. $180.US.
BE661. These two strands of glass & crystal beads are
quite wonderful as there is a variety of shapes in each strand.
There are facets, ovals, and some vaseline shapes. They are
great to mix with everything from glass beads to metal.
$110.US/each strand.
BE662. I had a very hard time finding strands of these
transluscent spotted white beads this year. They are pretty rough
but full of character. There are over 23 inches of beads on each
strand. $75.US/each strand. (#1 is sold)
BE663. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE664. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE665. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE666. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand. 
BE667. Red white-heart beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE668. Melon beads from Venice - $28.US/each strand.
BE669. Melon beads from Venice - $28.US/each strand.
BE670. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand. (#5 is sold)
BE671. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand. (#3 is sold)
BE672. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE673. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
BE674. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand. 
BE675. Kakamba beads - $18.US/each strand.
