Early19th century Venetian trade bead choker necklace in red, yellow, black and white

We like to string our trade beads on leather cord with gaps for a couple of reason. By leaving the gaps, there are fewer beads, which makes the necklace lighter to wear. Also the gaps give a nice look. The red leather is used in this necklace to enhance the red in some of the beads and give the necklace a nice color punch. We’ve used two large black and white African beads to add contrast and interest.  

There are references to trade beads being used as “money” by European explorers and importers from the 1400s and into the early 20th century. Glass and amber beads from various European sources were traded in the Far East, Africa, the Pacific and the Americas. Local beads were then acquired in these places to be traded in other destinations. Today many of these beads are in collections of primitive art.

Trade beads are becoming quite collectable. All of the beads in this necklace are Venetian, except for the two African beads. The metal parts are all sterling. The necklace has a beautiful contemporary look that could work with black and white or with strong colors.

We string these necklaces at Noah’s Lark. If you would be interested in a similar necklace, just contact us and we’ll let you know if we can make what you want. We determine the price based on the cost of the individual beads.

Condition: Excellent.

Measurements: The necklace length is 15.75 inches, and it weighs 65g.

Price: $240.00

Reference: N0000067

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