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Large Seven Layer Chevron Trade Bead Necklace

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Large Seven Layer Chevron Trade Bead Necklace
For your consideration in this lot we have a seven layer blue Chevron trade bead necklace originating from the early 19th century. The necklace consists of 32 large chevron trade beads graduating in size, showing the larger beads towards to bottom center of the necklace and the smaller towards the top of the twine string knot. Chevrons beads are made by a multi-part process. They start with the making of the cane, then another color glass is added and then this is usually put into a 12 point star mold. This process is repeated for each additional layer on the bead. Chevron beads, also called "Rosetta"and "Star" beads have been made Venice since the late 1400's and are still in limited production today. The Venetian Chevron production with the highest volume of beads was in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Chevron beads have been traded throughout the world, but most heavily in Africa. The Dutch traders were the first to bring Chevron beads to Africa in the late 1400's. The beads show layers of red, white, and blue glass cut into beads. The necklace shows good condition overall with some wear across the beads due to age. The necklaces measures approximately 16 1/2" in strung length with beads ranging from 3/8"w x 2 1/2" in circumference to 1 1/2"w x 3 1/2" in circumference.