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*SOLD* Celebration Earrings
These one-of-a-kind earrings have a great collection of old and unique African Trade Beads including two small stunning and rare 6 layer chevrons, two translucent red Padres, two opaque red Padres and four beautiful faceted Russian Blues; all seperated with African silver bicone spacers. The earwires are hand-forged sterling silver. Blue European made faceted glass beads from the African trade that are typically referred to as Russian Blues are done so because similar beads were traded into North America by Russian fur traders in the early to mid 1800’s. Beads such as this are often misrepresented as being Northwesten Coast fur trade beads, when in fact the vast majority came from the bead trade in Africa. These are very popular, both for historical reasons and because they look very good in almost any jewelry design. Their stunning blue color is fascinating. The chevron or star bead is from the family of drawn beads, called rosetta in Italian. They have been made in Italy since at least 1496. When it is viewed in cross section, a star pattern is visible. Venetian Chevron beads are the most beautiful, recognizable and collectible of all of the Venetian Trade Beads. Chevrons beads are made by a multi-part process. They start with the making of the cane, then another color glass is added and then this is usually put into a 12 point star mold. This process is repeated for each additional layer on the bead. This particular Chevron that I used as a focal bead in this bangle design is in beautiful condition and is probably from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. I’ve included a close-up picture so you can clearly see the six layers of color. Padre beads (late 1800’s to early 1900’s) are old wound beads which were traded in North and South America, Asia and Africa. The term Padre was applied to these beads in the 1970s. Folklore has it that Padre beads like these were traded with Native American Indians by Spanish Missionaries, in particular, Spanish Priests, or Padres. These particular beads are from the African Trade. What a distinctive grouping of historical beads in this colorful pair of earrings! Please expect some irregularity in the size and shape of these beads, as they are all hand made and traditionally somewhat rustic in nature. Also some chips and pitting are to be expected due to the age of these beads and the many miles they’ve travelled. Length--1 1/2 inch drop.
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