Strand of Green 4 Layer Chevron Beads | Antique Venetian Trade

This is a beautiful matching strand of old 4-layer green Venetian Chevron glass trade beads, dating to the early 1900s and used in the African trade. These antique Rosetta beads are uniform in size and coloration, strung into a complete 30.5" (77.5 cm) necklace, ideal for collectors or jewelry designers.

The beads feature a bold green exterior with traditional white and red inner layers, forming the classic Chevron star pattern at the ends. Their small diameter and vibrant appearance give the strand a delicate yet historically rich presence.

• Strand Length: 30 1/2 inches (77.5 cm)
• Bead Diameter: 5 mm

• Condition: Excellent antique condition
• Note: A few beads show very light chipping (see photos)

History & Craftsmanship

Chevron beads, also known as Rosetta beads, are among the most iconic and valued Venetian trade beads. First developed in Murano, Venice in the late 15th century, they were made using the intricate “drawn cane” method-where layers of colored molten glass were shaped into star molds, drawn into long canes, sliced into beads, and then polished to reveal the multi-pointed star pattern at each end.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, strands like this were exported to Africa and used in trade, often exchanged for goods, services, and as symbols of status and wealth. The uniformity of the beads on this strand, along with the rare green coloring, makes it especially desirable to collectors and bead historians.

This necklace is not only wearable-it’s a vibrant piece of global history, handcrafted with skill and traded with meaning.

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