Rare Dog Bone 4-Layer Chevron Beads – Antique Pair 14x8mm

This is a beautiful matching pair of rare antique 4-layer striped "Dog Bone" Venetian Chevron beads, showcasing a unique and collectible shape. These beads are striking for their bold layers, rounded ends, and subtle waist that gives them the “dog bone” silhouette cherished by collectors and bead enthusiasts.

Crafted in Murano, Venice, in the early 1900s, these Venetian Chevron trade beads were widely used in West Africa during the height of the bead trade era. Their distinctive form and vibrant striping make them excellent examples of the fine Venetian glassmaking tradition.

• Size: 14 mm in length x 8 mm in diameter

• Condition: Excellent – no major chips or cracks, beautifully preserved

These Chevron beads - also known as Rosetta beads, Old Chevron beads, Venetian Chevron beads, and Antique Chevron glass beads - were made by layering colored molten glass into star molds, drawing the glass into long canes, and then slicing and grinding each bead to reveal the classic chevron starburst pattern at the ends.

The rare “dog bone” shape is especially valued in the bead world for its sculptural quality and balanced symmetry. These beads weren’t just adornment - they were powerful trade items, exchanged across African markets and used as both jewelry and currency. Their legacy continues today through collectors, designers, and historians who recognize their artistic and cultural value.

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