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Rare 5-Layer Striped Chevron Bead – Antique Venetian Glass 1800s
Rare 5-Layer Striped Chevron Bead – Antique Venetian Glass 1800s
Offered here is a rare and exquisite antique 5-layer Striped Chevron bead, expertly hot-tumbled and crafted in Venice during the 1800s. This bead is a documented piece, featured in Picard, Volume VII, p.33, bead 158 and 159, making it an important collectible for bead historians and collectors alike.
- Bead Size: 16 mm x 14 mm
- Condition: Excellent condition for its age
- Note: Very minor chipping consistent with antique trade wear
This is a true Venetian masterpiece, showcasing five bold layers in a captivating striped Chevron pattern. Known also as a Rosetta bead, it was highly valued in the African trade routes of the 19th century. Each bead was made using the ancient drawn glass technique, then hot-tumbled for a smooth, aged finish, enhancing its character and rarity.
💎 History, Value & Craftsmanship
Chevron beads were first produced in Venice in the late 15th century on the island of Murano. Made using a painstaking multi-layer glass fusion and cane drawing method, the bead's star-pattern cross-section is achieved by grinding and polishing. This particular 5-layer bead is among the more complex and desirable forms. Their high demand in Africa turned them into a form of trade currency, and today they remain one of the most collectible and valuable types of antique trade beads.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or a lover of antique craftsmanship, this bead is a rare opportunity to own a piece of authentic bead history.
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