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*SOLD* Celebration Bangle
This one of a kind and unique bangle is made with heavy gauge Silver wire covered with a magnificent collection of Trade Beads! The focal bead is a six layer venetian Chevron bead. On each side are Hill Tribe Silver beads, two Russian Blues, twisted silver coiled tubes, african silver rounds and spacers and brick red Greenhearts. The clasp is handmade and hammered from heavy gauge sterling silver. Greenhearts were brought to North America (as well as Africa) from the 1500s to the 1700s. They are Venetian drawn beads with an opaque red coat over a translucent green center. Venetian glass green hearts were made between the 17th and 18th century for trade in Africa. 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 Northwestern 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. What a distinctive grouping of historical beads in this colorful bangle! 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. Bangles are worn by people around the world and are simply a less flexible piece of jewelry worn around the wrist. In many cultures, especially in the Arabian Peninsula and in South Asia, bangles have evolved into various types for different occasions. Bangles are part of traditional Indian jewelry and are usually worn in pairs, one or more on each arm. They are made of numerous precious as well as non-precious materials such as gold, silver, copper and bronze. Most Indian women prefer wearing either gold or glass bangles or both in combination. These bangles are made with a heavy 12 gauge silver and have some flexibility but are very stable. Once you’ve worn bangles it’s hard to go back to a regular bracelet. They’re incredibly comfortable and I rarely leave the house with less than two of them on my wrist and often I wear 3 at a time! Fits wrist up to 6 1/2 inches.
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