Rare SPEO 3 Layer Chevron Bead | Antique Venetian Trade Glass

This is a rare old 3-layer "SPEO" Chevron Venetian glass trade bead, expertly crafted in the late 1800s and documented in Picard, Volume VII, p.29, bead 137. This distinctive bead is a classic example of late 19th-century Venetian beadmaking, known for its compact form and unique star-layered construction.

The SPEO variety features a more rounded, almost spherical body with a subtle 3-layer chevron pattern that still retains sharp definition. Its symmetry and coloration reflect the careful craftsmanship and high aesthetic standards of Murano glassmakers.

• Bead Size: 16 mm (length) x 15 mm (diameter)

• Condition: Excellent antique condition

History & Craftsmanship

Chevron beads, also referred to as Rosetta beads, were first developed on the island of Murano, Venice, in the late 15th century. Made using the drawn cane technique, layers of colored glass were poured into a star-shaped mold, drawn into rods, sliced into beads, and then polished or faceted to reveal their layered design.

The SPEO type is notable for its unique rounded shape and typically features fewer layers than traditional 5-7 layer Chevrons. This bead, with its 3-layer design, is a rare form that was traded heavily in Africa, especially in West Africa, where beads were used as currency and markers of social status.

Today, SPEO Chevrons are highly collectible due to their scarcity, unique shape, and historical significance. This particular piece is both a work of art and a relic of global trade history.

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