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Watermelon Chevron 1800's Trade Bead Necklace

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Watermelon Chevron 1800's Trade Bead Necklace
Offered in this lot are two four layered, "Watermelon" green chevron trade bead necklaces originating from the early 19th century. The first necklace shows 35 green, four layered trade beads on a woven cord. These beads are oval and measure 1/2" X 1/4". These beads are strung on a waxed fiber. The next necklace has 59 beads in a rounder, more "melon" shape. The beads measure 3/8" X 1/4". These beads are strung on a raffia fiber. Chevron beads are special glass beads; the first specimens of this type were created by glass bead makers in Venice and Murano, Italy toward the end of the 14th century. Most of the Venetian chevron beads made for export to West Africa and to the Americas have layers in red, blue, and white, with rare exceptions like these "Watermelons". The beads show layers of white, red, and green glass cut into beads. The necklaces show good condition and very minor damage due to age.