Rare Chevron Bead Pair with Murrine – Antique Venetian Trade Beads

Rare Pair of 4-Layer Chevron Beads with Inserted Murrine – Venetian Trade Glass

This is a stunning and hard-to-find matching pair of old 4-layer striped Venetian Chevron glass trade beads, featuring an exceptionally rare inserted murrine design. Documented in Picard, Volume VII, p. 71, bead 659, these beads are a true collector’s treasure with layered artistry and historic significance.

• Bead Size: 13 mm x 7 mm

• Condition: Very Good

Each bead displays the classic Chevron structure-four vivid layers of colored glass arranged in a striped starburst pattern. The unique addition of murrine (a decorative mosaic detail made from patterned glass cane) makes this pair exceptionally rare and valuable. These Venetian beads were crafted in the early 1900s and traded throughout West Africa, where they held both cultural and economic importance.

History, Value, and Craftsmanship of Chevron Beads

Chevron beads-also known as Rosetta beads-were first created in the late 15th century in Murano, Venice. The intricate caneworking process involved layering different colors of molten glass into a rod (or cane), drawing it out, then cutting and grinding it to reveal the distinctive starburst or stripe design. The addition of inserted murrine was an advanced glassmaking detail used in very limited production, making these beads highly collectible today.

Used in African trade during the early 20th century, Chevron beads served as currency and status symbols, exchanged across West Africa and prized for their beauty and meaning. Today, authentic antique Chevron beads-especially rare matched pairs with murrine-are highly sought after by collectors, historians, and jewelry artisans.

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