set/20 ANTIQUE TRADE BEADS: Africa Europe - White Heart - approx 6 mm - Orange-Red

A set of 20 antique African tradebeads - originally made in Europe!

These glass beads were made in Europe (first in Venica, later also in Bohemia and France) in the late 1800's/early 1900's and transported to Africa where they were used as money (and highly valued).

These kind of beads are known as 'White Hearts' - at first they were produced with a white core, because this was cheaper than coloured glass. Later these beads became so popular (probably because the white center made the colours more luminous), that the white core stayed. and because of the demand, the White Heart beads increased in value. 

Great to use in your jewelry, but also great to display. Will increase in value!

• Size: approx 6 mm across x 4-5 mm length (sometimes 3,5 mm) each - hole approx 2 mm 
• Fantastic old beads in a great Orange-Red colour. Antique patina and in a very good condition.  
• Price is for 20 beads as the photos, which give a strung length of approx 8,5-9 cm.