Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic African Trade Beads 16-17mm Glass Beads

Beautiful rare matching OLD millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade beads, highly sought after for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. These stunning beads were handcrafted in Venice, Italy and used in the African trade during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Perfect for collectors or jewelry makers, these beads hold immense historical and artistic value.

• Size of beads: 16-17 mm x 9 mm
• Condition: Very good (lightly beveled, see photos for details)

Each bead features the signature mosaic millefiori technique, where colorful glass canes are sliced into cross-sections to reveal intricate flower-like patterns, then skillfully melted into the bead's surface. These Venetian beads were not only prized for their beauty but also played a key role in trade, especially across Ghana and other African regions. They were used as currency and exchanged for goods, solidifying their importance in African history and commerce.

Discover more in our exclusive collections:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads in Archives