[{"id":190155845,"handle":"21-and-under","title":"$21 and Under","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:34-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2016-04-02T13:32:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_price","relation":"less_than","condition":"21.01"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":190155909,"handle":"49-and-under","title":"$49 and Under","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":190129093,"handle":"african-trade-beads","title":"African Trade Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/african-beads\" title=\"African beads\"\u003eAfrican beads\u003c\/a\u003e were first produced as a form of currency for native inhabitants all across the continent of Africa centuries ago, and are now appreciated world wide by thousands of bead collectors, wearers, and enthusiasts. What draws people to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/african-trade-beads\" title=\"Trade beads\"\u003etrade beads\u003c\/a\u003e is not only their elegance and beauty in craft, but the experience and history that comes along with each bead. While African bead makers continue to create new beads today, many of the items we offer have traveled long distances and years of existence to arrive where they are today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe carry a large selection of high quality, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/pages\/authentic-trade-beads\/\" title=\"Traditional Characteristics of Authentic Trade Beads\"\u003eauthentic trade beads\u003c\/a\u003e. Hundreds of strands in stock, including \u003cstrong\u003eglass trade beads\u003c\/strong\u003e, antique african trade beads, vintage venetian trade beads, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/chevron-beads\" title=\"Chevron beads\"\u003eChevron trade beads\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eczech trade beads\u003c\/strong\u003e, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrade Beads are beads that have been used as a form of currency for the exchange of goods and services especially in West Africa. Some of the more common items that these beads were bartered for include ivory, gold, slaves, and other goods that were in demand by Europeans and colonial overlords. Trade beads were made throughout Europe, however their production was concentrated in Venice and Bohemia where the secrets of glass bead production were a carefully guarded secret. The high demand for European beads in Africa can be attributed to the cultural value put by African peoples on decorative items. Jewelry items could add to the status of the owner and could be passed on to future generations as a symbol of wealth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, trade beads were also used for trade in the New World. The important role that they played is illustrated by the legend that the Dutch \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/pages\/trade-beads-manhattan-island\/\"\u003epurchased the island of Manhattan\u003c\/a\u003e from local Native American tribes for several strands of beads. It is believed that Christopher Columbus used glass Trade Beads for barter during his early voyages. Later, Spanish explorers and European fur traders and American explorers such as Lewis and Clark used Trade Beads to facilitate interactions with local peoples and to procure goods. Today, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/african-beads\" title=\"African beads\"\u003eAfrican beads\u003c\/a\u003e used in the trade are considered highly collectible items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wide variety of Trade Beads were produced between the 16th and 20th centuries. One of the most celebrated bead designs is the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/millefiori-beads\" title=\"Millefiori beads\"\u003eMillefiori Bead\u003c\/a\u003e from Venice that was named after the characteristic flower pattern on its surface. The methods used to make these and other beads are a testament to the innovation of Venetian artisans. African artisans subsequently copied \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/glass-beads\" title=\"Glass beads\"\u003eglass\u003c\/a\u003e cane beads such as the Millefiori using \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/powder-glass-beads\" title=\"Powdered glass beads\"\u003epowdered glass\u003c\/a\u003e techniques to produce indigenous African Kiffa Beads with similar patterns. Additional well-known varieties of trade beads include \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/chevron-beads\" title=\"Chevron trade beads\"\u003eChevrons\u003c\/a\u003e, Dogon Beads,\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/vaseline-beads\" title=\"Vaseline beads\"\u003eVaseline Beads\u003c\/a\u003e, Russian Blue Beads, Skunk Beads and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Trade Beads are world-renown for their rich legacy and aesthetic beauty. While \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/african-trade-beads\" title=\"African trade beads\"\u003eAfrican Trade Beads\u003c\/a\u003e have long been highly regarded in African culture, their appreciation in Western countries continues to grow both among bead collectors and artists as well as bead enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:48:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":true,"rules":[{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"dogon"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"dogan"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"skunk"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"venetian"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"millefiori"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"tomato"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"trade"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"star snake"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"white heart"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"czech"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"green heart"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"kakamba"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"vaseline"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"watermelon chevron"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"hebron"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"coldonte"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"padre"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"mali wedding"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"fulani"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"christmas"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"russian blue"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"glass snake"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Vintage Ethiopian"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":102313605,"handle":"all","title":"All Products","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:34-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2015-10-03T13:56:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"show-subcollections","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_inventory","relation":"greater_than","condition":"0"},{"column":"title","relation":"not_contains","condition":"Gift Card"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":293181030555,"handle":"all-products-oos","title":"All Products including Out of Stock","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":190129925,"handle":"brass-beads","title":"Brass Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T20:40:03-08:00","body_html":"Known for their rustic appearance and tribal look, African brass beads are second only to recycled glass as Africa's most popular bead exports. For centuries, these hand-crafted beads doubled as a primitive form of currency in parts of Ethiopia and Ghana – ironically the two countries where this ancient art-form is seeing a widespread revival. Brass Beads continue to serve as a symbol of status in some parts of east Africa. Many antique brass beads from Africa were handmade using the “lost wax” process adopted by native craftsmen – a largely unevolved technique whereby molten metal is poured into a hardened, handmade wax cast and allowed to set. The metal adheres to the various whorls and strips of wax, which in turn begins to melt away as intense heat emanates from the ore. As it cools, the molten brass hardens, taking on the very same characteristics as the wax mold - usually a cross-hatched, ringed or woven design to support the bead's hollow structure. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/collections\/ghana-brass-filigree-beads\"\u003eAshanti Brass Beads\u003c\/a\u003e produced by Ghanaian tribespeople are by far the most elaborate in comparison to the efforts of Ethiopia's Borana tribe. Kenya is also known for its solid brass beads which are now highly sought after in the West. Their smooth finish, coupled with their likeness to natural heishi beads makes Kenyan brass beads a versatile choice for contemporary stringing projects and brass jewelry. At The Bead Chest, we are proud to carry one of the largest selections of African brass beads, antique brass, and ethnic \u0026amp; tribal brass beads on the web.","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:48:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Brass"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Bead"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":322183823515,"handle":"couponable","title":"Couponable","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":210196070555,"handle":"in-stock-core-products","title":"In Stock Core Products","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:34-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2020-08-03T14:54:28-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"CP"},{"column":"variant_inventory","relation":"greater_than","condition":"50"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":210646761627,"handle":"in-stock-products","title":"In Stock Products","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:34-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2020-08-05T16:44:54-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_inventory","relation":"greater_than","condition":"0"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":197664604315,"handle":"large-hole-beads","title":"Large Hole Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:34-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2020-05-19T12:05:51-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":true,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"greater_than","condition":"1.8"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":238941667483,"handle":"macrame-beads","title":"Macrame Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:06-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2021-02-01T11:54:55-08:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":true,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"greater_than","condition":"2.8"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":329238216859,"handle":"medium-beads","title":"Medium Beads (8 to 15mm)","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":190132997,"handle":"metal-beads","title":"Metal Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T22:50:05-08:00","body_html":"Ornate and beautiful, African Metal Beads have long been an expressive art medium for indigenous tribes of the Southern and Eastern Capes. Their versatility as both a currency and symbol of status has vastly improved the fortunes of many impoverished regions, and borne an art form that continues to be imparted by ancestors to younger generations. Focal African Copper Beads are thought to be among the earliest formats produced using the “lost wax” method; an ancient Tuareg technique involving the use of hollow wax molds to shape and set molten metal. Ductile and soft, copper is one of the easiest metals to manipulate into elaborate shapes, which is why you'll find the vast majority of Copper Beads here at The Bead Chest are characterised by intricate designs and filigree work. Ethiopian Heishi Beads produced prior to the 1950's also utilised this method, and historians suggest the ancient Tuareg technique may have paved the way for the cage-like Baoule Brass Beads now produced in abundance along the Ivory Coast. Africa's popular White Metal Beads are a more recent innovation. They are commonly produced using recyclable alloys, such as aluminium, sourced from discarded cans and industrial roofing. Metal Beads tend to be far less elaborate in character than their copper counterparts owing to the process by which they are made. Both Tube and Heishi Beads are produced using the “winding” technique – a process whereby the metal is heated until malleable, before winding it around a mandrel and hammering it into shape. This technique allows for greater uniformity when crafting smaller beads, making them ideal for bead-weaving and peyote style projects.","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:49:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Metal"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Bead"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":190133829,"handle":"padre-beads","title":"Padre Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T14:06:28-08:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003ePadre Beads are a variety of wound \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thebeadchest.com\/trade-beads\" title=\"Trade beads\"\u003eglass trade beads\u003c\/a\u003e originally imported across the world especially to Africa and the Americas by Spanish Missionaries, Monks, Friars and Traders who used them as a form of currency. They carry \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blog.thebeadchest.com\/history-of-padre-beads\/\" title=\"History of Padre Beads\"\u003ea fascinating history\u003c\/a\u003e. The name Padre Bead is derived from the fact that these beads were \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blog.thebeadchest.com\/padre-beads-christianity\/\"\u003eworn by Spanish priests\u003c\/a\u003e who were called \"padres\" meaning \"father\" in the Spanish language. These great beads come in \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blog.thebeadchest.com\/old-padre-beads-colors\/\"\u003eseveral different colors and hues\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name Padre Bead is derived from the fact that these beads were worn by Spanish priests who were called ‘padres’ meaning ‘father’ in the Spanish language. Some of these beads may have been part of the rosaries that Catholic priests would carry. The period during which they Padre Beads believed to have been first used is between the 16th and 18th centuries. Because of this extended history, Padre beads tend to carry a lot of history along with them.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2016-04-02T08:49:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Padre"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":155054080090,"handle":"premium-metal-spacers","title":"Premium Metal Spacers","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:18-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2019-11-11T14:29:50-08:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"VM78"},{"column":"type","relation":"equals","condition":"Beads"},{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Metal"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":319572770971,"handle":"premium-picks","title":"Premium Picks","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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":191287621,"handle":"round-beads","title":"Round Beads","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:34:34-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2016-04-08T05:44:00-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"product_metafield_definition","relation":"equals","condition":"Round"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":292254384283,"handle":"summer-sellers","updated_at":"2025-03-07T22:50:05-08:00","published_at":"2023-06-22T16:25:39-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":null,"published_scope":"web","title":"Summer Sellers","body_html":""},{"id":304599957659,"handle":"test","title":"TEST","updated_at":"2025-03-07T23:35:38-08:00","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"}]
This classically beautiful strand of handcrafted gold colored brass beads is truly remarkable. These artisan beads are great for creating unique jewelry designs. With so many different ways to use these brass beads, your design options are endless. The hole on each bead is about 4mm in diameter. Each strand is approximately 16" in length, with the individual beads measuring in at about 6 x 9mm. Multiple strands pictured. Each strand sold individually. Channel your inner creativity and create stunning jewelry pieces with these beads today!
This classically beautiful strand of handcrafted gold colored brass beads is truly remarkable. These artisan beads are great for creating unique jewelry designs. With so many different ways to use these brass beads, your design options are endless. The hole on each bead is about 4mm in diameter. Each strand is approximately 16" in length, with the individual beads measuring in at about 6 x 9mm. Multiple strands pictured. Each strand sold individually. Channel your inner creativity and create stunning jewelry pieces with these beads today!
Free Shipping on US Orders $99+
Product Details
This classically beautiful strand of handcrafted gold colored brass beads is truly remarkable. These artisan beads are great for creating unique jewelry designs. With so many different ways to use these brass beads, your design options are endless. The hole on each bead is about 4mm in diameter. Each strand is approximately 16" in length, with the individual beads measuring in at about 6 x 9mm. Multiple strands pictured. Each strand sold individually. Channel your inner creativity and create stunning jewelry pieces with these beads today!
This classically beautiful strand of handcrafted gold colored brass beads is truly remarkable. These artisan beads are great for creating unique jewelry designs. With so many different ways to use these brass beads, your design options are endless. The hole on each bead is about 4mm in diameter. Each strand is approximately 16" in length, with the individual beads measuring in at about 6 x 9mm. Multiple strands pictured. Each strand sold individually. Channel your inner creativity and create stunning jewelry pieces with these beads today!
