Millefiori Beads from the African Trade

by African Beads on January 11, 2010

Perhaps some of the most beautiful African beads are the Millefiori trade beads. These beads, known for their beautiful flower design, are sought after by collector’s around the world. Because Millefiori beads are all handmade, each and every bead is unique and one of a kind, making these beads extremely collectible.

Millefiori beads have several different names:

  • Mosaic beads
    These beads are typically ornate. Mosaic beads are made with colorful fused segments of glass cane ( long drawn rods of glass).
  • Love beads
    This name was used mostly during the hippie era in the ’60’s and ’70’s. Very rarely are Millefiori beads called “love beads” today. Perhaps because other African beads have adopted the name of Love Beads.
  • Trade beads
    Because Millefiori beads are the most popular form of trade beads, many people simply call them trade beads.

Millefiori beads are created with many layers of vibrant, colorful glass fused together in cross sections and then plastered onto the surface of the bead. The surface of Millefiori beads can have all sorts of designs ranging from abstract patterns, to flowers and faces.

You can buy Millefiori beads here.

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Beautiful black and white batik bone beads from africa

by African Beads on December 8, 2009

batik-bone-beads-1

Some of the most beautiful bone beads come from Africa. African bone beads are very often dyed using a process known as batik. These Batik bone beads from Africa are beautiful when used in necklaces and even bracelets.

Made in Ghana, Africa, batik bone beads are typically strung on raffia, but you can easily cut and break up strands and use the loose beads in the jewelry you create. African bone beads are also beautiful worn as is, on the raffia string.

They come in all different designs such as star, zebra, striped, traditional, arrow, and many more. These beads typically run for $13 – $40 a strand, depending on the age, design, condition, and availability. You can get your African bone batik beads here.

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How Krobo Beads are Made

November 17, 2009

When researching African beads, you will find that different styles and designs of beads originate and are produced in different parts of Africa.
Krobo beads, also known as powder glass beads, are typically produced by craftsmen and women of Krobo and Ashanti tribes, living in Ghana. Krobo bead making is first documented in the 1920’s, [...]

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African Kazuri Beads in Kenya

October 19, 2009

Below is the transcription of a Youtube video I enjoyed which talked about African Kazuri beads in Kenya, and how the industry is doing there. The link to the original video is at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!
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If there is one thing that women love, it is to be different, to stand out, and [...]

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African Love Beads

October 19, 2009

African love beads, also known as African Christmas beads or peace beads, are small colorful czech-made beads. They are inexpensive, and come in a few different sizes.
Love beads are imported from Ghana, Africa, and symbolize peace and goodwill. Strands measure from 24″ to 48″. These beads are fun to play with. Each strand carries a [...]

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African Trade Bead Jewelry

October 15, 2009

African Trade Bead Jewelry is perhaps some of the most fascinating ethnic jewelry out there. Because trade beads carry such a rich and unique history, many having traveled several continents and owned by multiple people over the centuries, people who purchase this jewelry will be wearing a piece of history.
Below is a beautiful piece of [...]

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The Most Colorful African Beads: Mali Wedding Beads

September 29, 2009

People often ask me, “What are the most colorful African beads?” The answer is simple: Mali Wedding Beads. In one strand of these beautiful African wedding beads, you will find beads varying in up to 40 different colors, shapes, and designs.
These handmade beads are said to be given to brides on their wedding days. Most [...]

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The Top 7 Reasons Why I Buy African Beads

August 29, 2009

Friends often ask me why I am so obsessed with African beads. I use them to make all sorts of jewelry, and sometimes just wear them as is. So I figured I’d blog about the top 10 reasons why I invest so much of my time and money in African beads.

African beads carry a rich [...]

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What are Krobo Beads?

August 27, 2009

We often receive the question, what exactly are krobo beads? We hear the term oh so often, yet it can sometimes be difficult to find adequate information as to what these beads are on Google or other search engines.
Krobo is a district in Ghana, Africa. So to put it simple, Krobo beads are beads made [...]

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Welcome to our new blog on African Beads

August 26, 2009

Welcome to our new blog on African Beads! We aspire to be your top source on the internet for information on African Beads. This blog will be updated 2-3 times a week with all sorts of information on African beads, deals on African beads, and interesting historical information on African beads. We hope you enjoy [...]

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