Trade Bead and Gemstones
What are trade beads?
Trade beads refer to glass beads that were produced as a means of trade, and used primarily through the colonization stages of exploration from the 1600’s to the early 1900’s. The Venetians had quality glass makers that dominated production, but Dutch, Czech and Chinese glass makers were all involved. Typically, beads were produced and sent out world wide...the same bead might have a different name and history depending if traded to the Americas, Africa, or Asia.
The gemstones I like to use are semi-precious and I choose for colour, lustre and shape.
Earring wires are Niobium, and completely non reactive, if you are sensitive.
The galleries give you an idea of what you can expect from me. These are past works, and not for sale.
Tradebead Necklace Collection, for Wild Iris Gallery, Haines Alaska
Tradebead and Gemstone Earrings, niobium earwires, 1.5-2" long $35 pr
Stretch Tradebead Bracelet, S/M/L $55ea
Gemstone Bracelet on cable w/clasp, slightly adjustable. S/M/L $65
Russian 'Blues', 17-1800's tradebeads, Czech origin
Pendant Series, Antler, Mastodon ivory, tradebeads. $125-$155
Tradebead and Gemstone Bangles, copper core, moosehide, backed with leather, S/M/L $225
Caribou Antler Pendant, 25"long, 1900's dressmakers beads, tradebeads. $115
17-1800's Glass tradebeads
Tradebead and Gemstone complex stretch Bracelet, S/M/L $65
Northern Lights Series, Gemstone Bracelets on cable, slightly adjustable. $65
Tradebeads and Gemstone Necklace. 18-19.5"adjustable, copper accents $95