Trade Bead w/Onyx Necklaces (18-246)

This necklace has very unqiue trade beads, which coordinate with small Onyx round beads. It measures approximately 18.5″ in length.

Historical, Wearable works of art.
Trade Beads: It is often called ‘Venetian Millefiore” originated in the 17th century, from ancient Roman and Egyptian times. They are composed of layers od cane glass all fused together at a high temperature on a basin core. They usually have a floral pattern- hence the name “millefiore” meaning thousand flowers. They were extensively for tradingon the west coast of Africa. They were bartered for ivory, gold and a single beads could sometimes buy a slave! At one time, trade beads were used as currency. The greatest repository of these beads is now in West Africa. Trade beads were sometimes called ‘gulimin’ beada- for the port of entry.

Black Onyx: Onyx is a variety of quartz. Black and white banded quartz forms black onyx. It is found world-wide, and was very popular with ancient Romans for making seals.