[{"id":190155909,"handle":"49-and-under","title":"$49 and Under","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2016-04-02T13:34:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_price","relation":"less_than","condition":"49.01"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":57456361562,"handle":"1mm-hole-beads","title":"1mm Hole Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2018-09-17T16:20:45-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"greater_than","condition":"0.8"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"less_than","condition":"1.3"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":190128965,"handle":"african-beads","title":"African Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:14-08:00","body_html":"Each African Bead carries its own story; a rich history and story behind it. Many will have had numerous owners, and seen multiple continents by the time they arrive to you. African beads and jewelry have played an enormous role in the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-in-culture\/\"\u003eculture\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-in-fashion\/\"\u003efashion\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-economy\/\"\u003eeconomy\u003c\/a\u003e, and artistic expression of the African people. Today, they are cherished by \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-for-collectors\/\"\u003ecollectors\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-in-jewelry\/\"\u003ejewelry makers\u003c\/a\u003e, and everyday people who just love wearing African beads!\n\u003ch2 class=\"green\"\u003eThe Basics of African Beads\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe term African Beads is used to refer to both beads locally produced by indigenous people of the African continent as well as Trade Beads that have traveled from other parts of the world and now circulate or were recently sourced from Africa. Together these beads have played an enormous role in the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-in-culture\/\"\u003eculture\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-in-fashion\/\"\u003efashion\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-economy\/\"\u003eeconomy\u003c\/a\u003e, and artistic expression of the African people. Today, they are cherished by \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-for-collectors\/\"\u003ecollectors\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-trade-beads-in-jewelry\/\"\u003ejewelry makers\u003c\/a\u003e, and everyday people who just love wearing African beads! \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/african-tribal-beads\/\"\u003eAfrican tribal beads\u003c\/a\u003e and glass beads also hold a special \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/blog\/mythical-significance-african-glass-beads\/\" title=\"Mythical significance of African glass beads\"\u003emythical significance\u003c\/a\u003e as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeads and Beadmaking have a long history in Africa. Beads have been made by indigenous Africans for thousands of years. In ancient times Egyptians, Greeks, and Indians established trading bases in East Africa and eventually the Arabs invaded in the eighth century and established trade routes with the wealthy kingdom of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/ghana-beads\" title=\"Ghana beads\"\u003eGhana\u003c\/a\u003e in modern day Mauritania. The Arabs brought \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/glass-beads\" title=\"Glass beads\"\u003eglass beads\u003c\/a\u003e to the Niger Delta to trade for gold and slaves. European explorers and traders began to arrive in the 15th century and this was followed by a tremendous influx of beads during the colonial period. At the peak of trade it is estimated that beads accounted for 40% of total imports or 2.5lbs glass beads \/year for every man, women and child. Today the tradition of beads continues to be ingrained in African culture and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/trade-beads\"\u003eold trade beads\u003c\/a\u003e are still used for internal commerce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe modern production of beads is in some sense a family tradition where tools and techniques are passed from one generation to the next. Beadmaking is a labor-intensive process and since many beads are hand made, this leads to variability in the appearance of individual beads even within a single strand. Production of beads is distributed throughout many countries on the African continent however the Hausa people of West Africa are particularly known for dominating the bead trade where they travel extensively to locate beads in villages, modify many beads, and sell them to local and foreign merchants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfrican Beads are made from a diverse array of materials. Some of the oldest beads were made from natural materials such as \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/stone-beads\" title=\"Stone beads\"\u003estones\u003c\/a\u003e, clay, plant materials such as doum palm nuts and bamboo stems, animal materials such as ostrich eggshells, bones such as the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/batik-bone-beads\" title=\"Batik bone beads\"\u003eBatik Bone bead\u003c\/a\u003e of Kenya, buffalo horn, and marine shells such as the Conus. These materials continue to be used today. Similarly, metal beads have been made from gold, bronze, and brass especially in West African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/mali-beads\" title=\"Mali beads\"\u003eMali\u003c\/a\u003e, Cameroon, and Senegal. Silver has also been traditionally popular in \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/ethiopian-beads\" title=\"Ethiopian beads\"\u003eEthiopia\u003c\/a\u003e. Finally, glass beadmaking is also an ancient tradition in Africa where it has been practiced for at least 1000 years. The two techniques for making glass beads that dominate in Africa are \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/powder-glass-beads\" title=\"Powder glass beads\"\u003ePowder-glass Beadmaking\u003c\/a\u003e and Bida Glass Beadmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe uses of beads in Africa are as varied as the materials used to make them. Beadwork is very popular in many African nations and is integrated into many art forms including clothing such as the stand-out collars of the Maasai tribe, headdresses and belts, wooden sculptures, small leather amulets, and a myriad of jewelry items where beads are regarded as items of wealth, power, and status. Because of their long history, beads continue to play a role in many traditional rites and ceremonies such as coming-of-age, circumcision, marriage, burial, and local festivals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number of different African and African Trade Bead varieties in existence today is enormous. Any attempt at classification is further complicated by the fact that many beads have been reworked and redecorated over time to conform to local tastes and preferences. Some of the most well known varieties of African Beads today are \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/krobo-beads\" title=\"Krobo beads\"\u003eKrobo Beads\u003c\/a\u003e, Kakamba Beads, Mali Clay Beads and Mali Wedding Beads, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/chevron-beads\" title=\"Chevron beads\"\u003eChevrons\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/millefiori-beads\" title=\"Millefiori beads\"\u003eMillefiori\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/vaseline-beads\" title=\"Vaseline beads\"\u003eVaseline Beads\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/white-heart-beads\" title=\"White heart beads\"\u003eWhite Heart Beads\u003c\/a\u003e, Kiffa Beads, and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/hebron-beads\" title=\"Hebron trade beads\"\u003eHebron Beads\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:48:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":true,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Ghana"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Kenya"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Ethiopia"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Ivory Coast"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Mali"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Burkina Faso"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Cameroon"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Nigeria"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Niger"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Guinea-Bissau"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Morocco"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Sudan"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Afghanistan"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Togo"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"West Africa"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":293181030555,"handle":"all-products-oos","title":"All Products including Out of Stock","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2023-09-18T15:21:32-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_inventory","relation":"greater_than","condition":"-1000"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":79632826458,"handle":"beads","title":"Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2018-09-30T19:33:37-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Bead"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":239126315163,"handle":"beads-for-jewelry-design","title":"Beads for Jewelry Design","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"Explore our selection of beads and supplies for jewelry making. With over 5,000 products to choose from, we carry one of the most unique and diverse collections of beading supplies on the web!","published_at":"2021-02-03T10:47:48-08:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"title","relation":"not_contains","condition":"Jumbo"},{"column":"title","relation":"not_contains","condition":"Cloth"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2021-02-24T13:42:25-08:00","alt":null,"width":1026,"height":799,"src":"\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/920c1026b4c03e53d92ce40ddaae1f5e.jpg?v=1614202946"}},{"id":190271045,"handle":"clear-beads","title":"Clear Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:40:02-08:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003eLooking to add a neutral and clean looking accent to your jewelry designs? Well you’re in luck because we have a vast collection of beautiful clear toned beads! Adding a dimension of transparency to your jewelry designs can be that missing piece to the puzzle. Clear and transparent beads can add a level of refinement and lustrousness to your already creative designs. Go ahead and browse our clear bead selections, we are really excited to see how you use their elegance in your custom jewelry designs and home decor style.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2016-04-03T12:44:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Clear"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Beads"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":322183823515,"handle":"couponable","title":"Couponable","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2024-11-15T11:15:03-08:00","sort_order":"alpha-asc","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Couponable"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":190130757,"handle":"ethiopian-beads","title":"Ethiopian Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:15:00-08:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003eToday, you can find all different types of African trade beads. Among them, Ethiopian beads are some of the most popular \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/african-beads\" title=\"African beads\"\u003eAfrican beads\u003c\/a\u003e. These beads come in different shapes and sizes. They attract people because of their unique style. The most renowned Ethiopian beads are the Ethiopian Cross beads. This type of bead is also know as Coptic Cross. They are made with silver metal. In the late nineteen century to the early twenty century, these beads came to the limelight. The size of Coptic cross is about four inches. It is really plain, ornamented with spiral patterns. Beads are one of the most unique symbols for the people of Ethiopia and it gives evidence of their history and culture. Craftsmen take special care, while designing these beautiful beads. They carve them in different sizes, styles and designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTypes of Ethiopian Beads\u003c\/h3\u003e\nEthiopian Beads can also be made from different types of metals like gold, silver, brass and iron and are cast using lost wax. Some Ethiopian beads are made from clay and wood materials. Most of these beads are used for religious rituals. The best one is the Coptic Cross, worn by both race as a neck pendants or pectoral. For more than one thousand six hundred years the people of Africa have been using Ethiopian Beads. During Baptism these beads are in use as signs of faith. Many priests and pilgrims are using Ethiopian Beads cross during church march. Whatever the occasion may be, these beads play a major role in bringing good luck and simultaneously style. Ethiopian Beads are imported to different parts of the world and mostly Venice. Travelers and visitors those who come to Ethiopia buy these handsome looking ornaments. These days, you can see that the fashion world is also using beads to make their models more glamorous.\n\u003ch4\u003eNow you don't need to travel to Africa to get your hands on some Ethiopian beads; you can get your very own Ethiopian beads from The Bead Chest today!\u003c\/h4\u003e","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:48:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Ethiopia"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Beads"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":191288261,"handle":"faceted-beads","title":"Faceted Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:12-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2016-04-08T05:48:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":true,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Faceted"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Faceted"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":190131653,"handle":"glass-beads","title":"Glass Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:40:21-08:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThere is nothing more alluring than adding the refined and reflective touch of glass beads into your jewelry designs. For thousands of years glass beads have been made and incorporated into jewelry designs by master artisans. At The Bead Chest we have a diverse curated selection of glass beads at your disposal. From our unique strands of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/roman-glass-jewelry\"\u003eancient Roman glass\u003c\/a\u003e to our vibrant \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/glass-beads\/made-in-czechoslovakia?\"\u003eCzechoslovakian glass beads\u003c\/a\u003e and from our luminous strands of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/glass-beads\/made-in-ghana?\"\u003eGhanaian recycled glass beads\u003c\/a\u003e to our captivating \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/glass-beads\/made-in-nepal?\"\u003eNepalese glass chevron beads\u003c\/a\u003e you’re going to have to take your time to browse our striking curated section of glass beads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe creation and technology for the production of glass beads dates all the way back 5,000 years. Glass beads and jewelry adornments have been found in the ancient tombs of Egypt, as well as, many other archaeological dig sites across East Asia. Initially glass beads were produced by either glass blowing or winding techniques. Glass bead winding is done by dipping a rod into hot glass and winding the glass around the rod. As time moved on the techniques of glass making improved. One of most influential times for artisan glass bead making can be attributed to the 1300s in Venice Italy. Many Venetian glass bead making techniques were developed and refined during this time. The glass bead making techniques for creating glass seed beads, chevron beads, blown beads and wound beads were all refined during this period. By the late 15th century, trade routes from Europe had expanded all over the world. Travelers, traders and explorers all carried glass beads with them to use as a form of currency and the demand for glass beads began to increase. Since the demand for Venetian glass beads had inflated so much, Venetian artisans started outsourcing uncut glass to Bohemia (The Czech Republic) to be cut and fashioned into bead strands. Master glass crafters from Bohemia started to travel to Italy to work in local glass factories to learn and refine their glass bead making skills even more. Through the 19th century the Bohemian glass industry continued to grow and improve. By the 20th century Czech glass beads started being imported into countries all over the world. As the demand and popularity for Czech glass beads increased so did their prices and quality and throughout the 20th century Czech glass beads maintained their high status and demand. Artisan glass beads to this day are still in high demand!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSo what are you waiting for? Now is the time to add the refined and artistic touch of glass beads to your jewelry designs. So please take a moment to browse our diverse catalogue of distinct and assorted glass beads. We know you’re going to find the perfect strands for your jewelry design and interior design projects!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:48:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Glass"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Beads"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":329238216859,"handle":"medium-beads","title":"Medium Beads (8 to 15mm)","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2025-03-05T16:09:49-08:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"greater_than","condition":"7"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"less_than","condition":"16"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Bead"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":319572770971,"handle":"premium-picks","title":"Premium Picks","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2024-10-04T10:21:21-07:00","sort_order":"alpha-asc","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_price","relation":"greater_than","condition":"15"},{"column":"variant_price","relation":"less_than","condition":"30.01"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Bead"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":304599957659,"handle":"test","title":"TEST","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2024-03-19T16:27:57-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_price","relation":"greater_than","condition":"0"}],"published_scope":"web"},{"id":312657838235,"handle":"vintage-beads","title":"Vintage \u0026 Antique Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-06T12:45:31-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2024-06-28T15:58:40-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":true,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"old"},{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"vintage"}],"published_scope":"global"}]
Take a look at this beautiful strand of old glass crystal beads. Commonly known as Abussinia beads, the origin of these beads is not precisely known but is likely the Kingdom of Ethiopia which was formerly known as Abyssinia for almost one thousand years. Beads measure approximately 9-10mm in diameter, with a hole size of 1mm. Each strand is unique and may vary slightly from the photo. Limited supply available.
Old Abyssinian Faceted Glass Crystal Beads (10mm)
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Original price$28.00
Original price
$28.00
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Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
Current price$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
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Approx. 60 beads |
1mm Hole |
28-30 inches Strand Length
Take a look at this beautiful strand of old glass crystal beads. Commonly known as Abussinia beads, the origin of these beads is not precisely known but is likely the Kingdom of Ethiopia which was formerly known as Abyssinia for almost one thousand years. Beads measure approximately 9-10mm in diameter, with a hole size of 1mm. Each strand is unique and may vary slightly from the photo. Limited supply available.
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Take a look at this beautiful strand of old glass crystal beads. Commonly known as Abussinia beads, the origin of these beads is not precisely known but is likely the Kingdom of Ethiopia which was formerly known as Abyssinia for almost one thousand years. Beads measure approximately 9-10mm in diameter, with a hole size of 1mm. Each strand is unique and may vary slightly from the photo. Limited supply available.
Take a look at this beautiful strand of old glass crystal beads. Commonly known as Abussinia beads, the origin of these beads is not precisely known but is likely the Kingdom of Ethiopia which was formerly known as Abyssinia for almost one thousand years. Beads measure approximately 9-10mm in diameter, with a hole size of 1mm. Each strand is unique and may vary slightly from the photo. Limited supply available.