Green Striped 4 Layer Chevron Beads | Antique Venetian Trade Set

This is a beautiful set of fifteen antique green striped 4-layer Venetian Chevron glass trade beads, dating back to the early 1900s and used extensively in the African trade. These beads are a fine example of traditional Murano glass craftsmanship, showcasing vibrant green tones with crisp, layered striping.

Each bead features a multi-layer construction with white and red internal layers beneath a rich green exterior, forming the iconic starburst ends typical of Chevron beads. Their small, round shape makes them perfect for detailed jewelry design or for adding to a serious trade bead collection.

• Bead Size: Approximately 5 mm in diameter

• Condition: Very good antique condition
• Note: Some beads have small air bubbles from original glassmaking (see photos)

History & Craftsmanship

Chevron beads-also known as Rosetta beads-were originally produced on the island of Murano in Venice starting in the late 15th century. Crafted using the drawn cane technique, glassmakers layered different colored molten glass into a star-shaped mold, drew it into long rods, and then sliced the rods into beads. The ends were ground or polished to reveal the distinctive chevron or starburst patterns.

These beads were exported and widely traded across Africa in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were used not only as adornment but also as a form of currency and a symbol of wealth and prestige. Green-striped Chevrons in this smaller size are less common and especially valued for their visual appeal and fine workmanship.

This strand represents a piece of cross-cultural history-each bead a testament to the artistry and commerce of its era.

👉 Explore our current collection of Chevron beads

📚 Visit our Archives for past Venetian, Czech, and African bead offerings