Rare Antique Banded Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads 12mm

Explore this rare set of three exquisite, antique round banded Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. Carefully crafted in Venice, Italy, these beads showcase intricate mosaic patterns that blend bold colors and unique banding-perfect examples of early 20th-century bead artistry.

Each bead has been preserved beautifully, retaining the vibrant design and craftsmanship that made these pieces highly valued in African trade.

• Size: 12 mm x 9-10 mm
• Condition: Excellent

Originating in Venice and made using the traditional millefiori (Italian for "thousand flowers") technique, these mosaic glass beads involved layering colored glass canes, which were sliced and embedded into a clear or opaque base, creating stunning floral and geometric patterns. These beads played a vital role in African trade, particularly in Ghana, where they held cultural and economic significance. Often used as currency and symbols of status, Venetian millefiori beads are a precious remnant of global exchange and artistry.

Discover more stunning millefiori beads in our collections: Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads | Trade Beads Collection | Millefiori Beads Archives