This lot contains a beautiful strand of Italian trade beads. The beads show great color and are in good condition. Trade beads were decorative glass beads used between the 16th and 20th century as a currency to exchange for goods and services. The beads were made throughout Europe to ease passage of European explorers and traders across Africa and with American Natives. Production was dominated by the Venetians. This necklace shows five different styles of Millefiori and Wedding Cake beads. The strand features ten tubular black and yellow beads that are 5/8" long X 1/4" wide. Also on the strand are twelve black Wedding Cake beads, followed by twenty six red Wedding Cake beads that are approximately 5/8" X 5/8". On either side of the center bead are eleven and twelve black round and tubular Millefiori beads that range from 5/8" to 1/2". The center bead is an oblong ruff shaped bead that is 7/8" X 5/8". These beads are strung on raffia and the overall length of the necklace is 33". This necklace and beads are in excellent condition.

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