Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads. Single strand.

Glass trade beads in a variety of patterns and colors on this single strand necklace. Beads are all about 8 mm. This is a fun strand to wear. When I would wear them to work I would get lots of compliments. I bought these 10 years ago at a local auction house. Also see my 2- double strand I have listed. I believe there are what look like sterling silver beads. Beautiful. Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori has become nearly synonymous with the West African Trade. Made from famed Murano glass, Millefiori beads derive their name from the Italian words for “Thousand Flowers” due to the characteristic floral motifs that decorate their surface. Millefiori beads were made throughout the 19th and 20th century primarily for export to Africa. Today they are found in many countries including Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana where they are also known by their Ashanti name “Chachasao”. Most beads are commonly cylindrical in shape but other varieties exist including rectangular, oval, and sometimes even hexagonal beads. You will receive the exact strand pictured. Measurements are approximations.