Rare Dutch 5-Layer Hot-Tumbled Chevron Bead 15x14mm, 1700s Trade

This is a rare and beautiful Dutch 5-layer Chevron glass trade bead, hot-tumbled to a smooth, aged finish and featuring a translucent dark green outer layer. This bead is a prime example of the craftsmanship of the 1700s and was used extensively in the African trade during that time.

• Bead Size: 15 mm x 14 mm

• Condition: Very good
• Used in the African trade, 1700s

This hot-tumbled 5-layer Chevron bead is notable for its rich translucent green exterior and gently rounded finish-achieved through a tumbling process that softened the edges over centuries of wear and use. Dutch Chevrons are rarer than their Venetian counterparts, making this bead an exceptional piece for advanced collectors and historians alike.

About Chevron Beads and Their Value

Chevron beads, also known as Rosetta beads, originated in Venice during the 15th century but were later replicated by Dutch glassmakers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Using the multi-layer cane drawing technique, artisans stacked layers of colored glass, shaped them into canes, then cut and polished each bead to expose its iconic starburst or chevron pattern.

The hot-tumbling process used in Dutch production smoothed the beads, giving them a soft matte finish, making them instantly recognizable. These beads were used in the African trade for centuries and held cultural, economic, and spiritual value throughout the continent.

Explore more authentic Chevron beads from our curated collection:
🡆 View Current Chevron Beads Collection

To see past treasures and previously sold beads, visit our detailed archive of antique Venetian, Dutch, Czech, and African trade beads:
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