Old Strand of Yellow Jacket Chevron Beads 5mm, 26.5", Venetian 1900s

This is a beautiful old strand of 4-layer black Venetian Chevron beads, most of which are in the highly sought-after "Yellow Jacket" style. These trade beads were used in West Africa during the early 1900s and remain a vibrant and historic representation of African-Venetian trade heritage.

• Strand Length: 26 1/2" (67.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 5 mm in diameter

• Condition: Excellent – some beads are lightly chipped due to age
• Used in the African trade, early 1900s

The Yellow Jacket Chevrons are distinguished by their bold black glass base with contrasting yellow and white layered accents, creating a vibrant striped effect. Their small, uniform size makes this strand perfect for wearing as-is or incorporating into unique designs and restorations.

About Chevron Beads & Their Cultural Importance

Chevron beads-also known as Rosetta beads-originated in Venice on the island of Murano in the late 15th century. These beads were made through the cane drawing technique, where colored glass layers were fused, shaped, and cut into beads that revealed stunning star or stripe patterns after grinding.

Beads like these were exchanged in African trade networks as currency and symbols of social status. The Yellow Jacket variation is especially prized for its vivid color contrast and historic use in African adornment and ceremony. Today, they are highly collectible for their craftsmanship and cultural legacy.

Explore more rare Chevron trade beads from our curated collection:
🡆 View Our Current Chevron Beads Collection

To view rare and previously sold pieces, including Venetian, Czech, and African beads, explore our archives:
🡆 Visit the Bead Archives