African Stone Beads

These are all old stone beads, ranging in age from 100 years old to 100 BC. They were made by African tribal peoples from various regions of West Africa, with the exception of the Idar-Oberstein beads. They are inspirational as design elements, and have a special spiritual significance to the wearer. They are extremely rare and, though similar, will vary from the pictures shown. Because of their age and handmade aspects, there are no two exactly alike!

Necklace of Fossilized Crinoid Beads


fosl8518st_a

28" strand mixed necklace cool stone beads made from fossilized crinoids and ancient granite beads. 5mm x 7mm to 12mm x 30mm for the granit beads, and 7mm  15mm to 16mm x 20mm for the crinoid beads. 

1 in stock

$120.00

Tibetan Agate Beads


TIB12

32" strand of newly carved striped/banded agate beads from Tibet.  Lovely! Slightly graduated strand from 10mm diameter to 16mm diameter x 4-5mm thick.   

1 in stock

$160.00

Strand of Jasper Stone Beads, C


STAFR1066ST_C

34" strand of graduated Jasper stone beads. A varied array of bead sizes and shapes.  Beautiful! 4mm x 6mm up to 11mm x 17mm with 2-3mm holes.

1 in stock

$75.00

Ancient Beige Agate "Biscuits"


STAFR1019

BACK IN STOCK!!  African traders call this bead a "biscuit", and it is very organic in shape. It appears to be a stone simply drilled. These are ancient, found in Mali, and drilled conically so the hole is very small in the center.  They vary widely in size, from approximately 10mm up to 35 mm, and are not uniformly shaped. Photo shows a pile of these wonderful beads in an attempt to show their variety; beads sold individually, not in a group. PLEASE INDICATE A SIZE THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OR WE WILL PICK THE BEADS AT RANDOM.

30 in stock

$2.50

Strand of Ancient Carnelian Beads


STAFR1094ST

26" strand of ancient carnelian beads; over 1,000 years old; assorted sizes and shapes! Bead sizes range from 5mm x 7mm up to 12mm  x 18mm!

1 in stock

$160.00

Ancient Carnelian and Jasper Stone Beads


STAFR1070ST

29" strand of ancient stone beads with bow-drilled holes (conical shape from either side). Possibly from either Mali or India (and traded in Africa).  Most are Carnelian with some red jasper mixed in. They are both flat thick and thin discs (some are faceted) and a few are squashed ovals; very rare. Beads average size range from 2mm x 10mm to 9mm x 14mm.

1 in stock

$120.00

"Rice" Beads Agate Strand


STAFR1068ST

JUST IN! 36" strand of rice shaped agate beads from Africa. These are becoming harder to find. About 100 years old, some older, they vary in size from 40mm x 17mm to 65mm x 28mm and in shape, coloration, and condition ( a few end chips and pitting due to age); SOLD AS A STRAND only.

1 in stock

$120.00

"Rice" Beads Agate Strand


STAFR1025ST

JUST IN! 30" strand of rice shaped agate beads from Africa. These are becoming harder to find. About 100 years old, some older, they vary in size from 33mm x 16mm to 83mm x 23mm and in shape, coloration, and condition ( a few end chips and pitting due to age); SOLD AS A STRAND only.

1 in stock

$120.00

Large Agate Stone Beads


STAFR1005lg

Very nice quality faceted agate stone beads possibly from India, but traded in West Africa/Nigerian region. Around 50 years old. Sizes range from 15mm-33mm long x 16mm-20mm diameter with 2mm holes. Photo shows a number of beads, SOLD SEPARATELY, not as a group. Picked at random, if you have a preference, please use the "special instructions" box when you check out. 

4 in stock

$12.00

Medium Size Chunky Amazonite Bead


STAFR2008

Medium size and smooth amazonite bead from Mali; appears to be an old bead, but the date is uncertain. Photo shows the variation in size and color of this unusual type of bead. Average size is 35mm x 40mm with hole drilled in two directions. SOLD SEPARATELY, not as a pair. 

2 in stock

$45.00

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