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Vintage-Style Round Olive Wood Beads from Bethlehem (10mm)

Original price $12.00
Original price $12.00 - Original price $12.00
Original price $12.00
Current price $12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
Current price $12.00
Approx. 60 beads |
2mm Hole |
25 inches Strand Length
Olive trees are well known as a source of fruit and oil, but what many people aren't aware is that the wood itself is among the hardiest of all fruit trees. Its fine, closed pore finish and resistance to fungi, disease and fire makes it a versatile wood for kitchen utensils, such as the mortar and pestle, yet also for jewelry craft - namely Olive Wood Beads (also known as "Bethlehem Rosary Beads"). The beautiful contrasting blond and brown of the curled grain, coupled with its durability makes olive wood particularly ideal for Rosary Beads, many of which are produced by co-operatives in the ancient city of Bethlehem - presently located within the Palestinian Autonomy in Israel. Skilled artisans have been producing Olive Wood Beads from the ancient fruit-bearing trees in Bethlehem for over 2,000 years. Most are made by Orthodox families who have developed their knowledge of the ancient wood turning techniques from previous generations. Olive Wood Beads are produced in a wide range of different sizes, however they are almost always oval or spherical in shape owing to their use in traditional Rosaries. Cherry wood beads are often used as 'prayer markers', dividing sections of the beads in accordance with the number of prayers and decades included. Whilst the production of Olive Wood Rosaries is still a thriving industry in Bethlehem, many of the strands exported are very old. Crafters often incorporate antique beads from other broken strands that can sometimes be over a Century old! This authentic strand of Bethlehem olive wood beads is not quite old but beautiful nonetheless! This strand has been finished with a darker stain to give it a vintage feel.

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Product Details

Olive trees are well known as a source of fruit and oil, but what many people aren't aware is that the wood itself is among the hardiest of all fruit trees. Its fine, closed pore finish and resistance to fungi, disease and fire makes it a versatile wood for kitchen utensils, such as the mortar and pestle, yet also for jewelry craft - namely Olive Wood Beads (also known as "Bethlehem Rosary Beads"). The beautiful contrasting blond and brown of the curled grain, coupled with its durability makes olive wood particularly ideal for Rosary Beads, many of which are produced by co-operatives in the ancient city of Bethlehem - presently located within the Palestinian Autonomy in Israel. Skilled artisans have been producing Olive Wood Beads from the ancient fruit-bearing trees in Bethlehem for over 2,000 years. Most are made by Orthodox families who have developed their knowledge of the ancient wood turning techniques from previous generations. Olive Wood Beads are produced in a wide range of different sizes, however they are almost always oval or spherical in shape owing to their use in traditional Rosaries. Cherry wood beads are often used as 'prayer markers', dividing sections of the beads in accordance with the number of prayers and decades included. Whilst the production of Olive Wood Rosaries is still a thriving industry in Bethlehem, many of the strands exported are very old. Crafters often incorporate antique beads from other broken strands that can sometimes be over a Century old! This authentic strand of Bethlehem olive wood beads is not quite old but beautiful nonetheless! This strand has been finished with a darker stain to give it a vintage feel.

Specifications

Strand Length 25 inches
Bead Size 10 x 10mm
Hole Size 2mm
Number of Beads 60 (approximation)
Found In Middle East
Material Wood
Color Brown
Shape Round
UPC 739325866687
SKU WOD-RND-BRN-951
Olive trees are well known as a source of fruit and oil, but what many people aren't aware is that the wood itself is among the hardiest of all fruit trees. Its fine, closed pore finish and resistance to fungi, disease and fire makes it a versatile wood for kitchen utensils, such as the mortar and pestle, yet also for jewelry craft - namely Olive Wood Beads (also known as "Bethlehem Rosary Beads"). The beautiful contrasting blond and brown of the curled grain, coupled with its durability makes olive wood particularly ideal for Rosary Beads, many of which are produced by co-operatives in the ancient city of Bethlehem - presently located within the Palestinian Autonomy in Israel. Skilled artisans have been producing Olive Wood Beads from the ancient fruit-bearing trees in Bethlehem for over 2,000 years. Most are made by Orthodox families who have developed their knowledge of the ancient wood turning techniques from previous generations. Olive Wood Beads are produced in a wide range of different sizes, however they are almost always oval or spherical in shape owing to their use in traditional Rosaries. Cherry wood beads are often used as 'prayer markers', dividing sections of the beads in accordance with the number of prayers and decades included. Whilst the production of Olive Wood Rosaries is still a thriving industry in Bethlehem, many of the strands exported are very old. Crafters often incorporate antique beads from other broken strands that can sometimes be over a Century old! This authentic strand of Bethlehem olive wood beads is not quite old but beautiful nonetheless! This strand has been finished with a darker stain to give it a vintage feel.
Strand Length 25 inches
Bead Size 10 x 10mm
Hole Size 2mm
Number of Beads 60 (approximation)
Found In Middle East
Material Wood
Color Brown
Shape Round
UPC 739325866687
SKU WOD-RND-BRN-951

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
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D
David

Amazing quality

T
Travis W.
Exactly as I'd hoped for.

Sixty beads per necklace, roundness and finish are uniform. Pleasing smooth matte finish and when in the right light has a very subtle sheen.
Being only 10mm its difficult to see any typical characteristics of Olive wood, that being said, there are a few that stand out from the rest somewhat resembling lightly polished tiger eye gemstone.
Overall a very nice purchase, in fact, at the time of writing this review I've already reordered a second necklace, as I needed a specific number of beads and wanted to verify the quality.

L
Linda W.
Olive wood beads

Purchased before and really like them. Beautiful color and lightweight.

M
Marla M.
True Olive Wood

Beautiful dark wood for my summer bracelet making. I have ordered many times, the lighter colors, oiled and finally the darker color. Already ordered more!!

M
Marla M.
Go to wood bead

Love this olive wood for bracelets. Goes with EVERYTHING you throw in from gems, glass, metals and shell. Ialway come back for MORE.

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