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!
Large Year of the Dragon Stone Bead
CHIN7220
Large 71-73mm long x 22mm diameter stone bead rom China with a traditional dragon motif. Very cool, heavy bead. Newly made. Photo shows three beads to give you an idea fo what the image is, SOLD SEPARATELY not as a group.
3 in stock
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.
18 in stock
Carnelian Agate Strand from Mali
STAFR1025ST
LAST STRAND! 22" strand of old carnelian agate beads in various shapes and sizes, from Mali (pictured is a sample) The beads are mostly rounds with sliced ends with 2-3mm holes. Sizes range from 3mm x 6mm diameter to 13mm round.
1 in stock
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.
8 in stock
Small Agate Stone Beads
STAFR1005sm
Very nice quality,vintage faceted agate stone beads possibly from India, but traded in West Africa/Nigerian region. Around 50 years old. Sizes range from 13mm-27mm long x 10mm-14mm 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.
50 in stock
Medium Agate Stone Beads
STAFR1005m
Very nice quality faceted agate stone beads possibly from India, but traded in West Africa/Nigerian region. Around 50 years old. Sizes range from 17mm-30mm long x 12mm-17mm 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.
30 in stock
Nigerian Agate, Medium Rice Shape
STAFR1004M
These vintage agate beads are becoming harder to find. About 100 years old, some older, they vary in size from 33mm to 48mm long x 17mm to 20mm in diameter with small 2-3mm holes, and vary in shape and coloration (see photo); SOLD SEPARATELY not in a group.
20 in stock
Nigerian Agate / Large Rice Shape
STAFR1004L
BACK IN STOCK. These agate beads are becoming harder to find. About 100 years old, some older, they vary in size between 48mm to 68mm long x 20mm to 30mm diameter with 2mm holes. Photo shows various beads, SOLD SEPARATELY, not as a group.
12 in stock
Nigerian Agate, Small Rice Shape
STAFR1004
BACK IN STOCK. These agate beads are becoming harder to find. About 100 years old, some older, they vary in size from 21mm x 12mm to 35mm x 15mm and in shape and coloration; SOLD SEPARATELY not in a group.
35 in stock
Round Shape Carnelian Stone
STAFR1055B
BACK IN STOCK! Round shaped Carnelian Stone, finely cut and drilled. approximately 16-19mm diameter; 1mm hole. This is an excellent example of German Idar-Oberstein stonework which was traded in Mali and West Africa in the 1800s. Photo shows two, SOLD SEPARATELY not in a pair.
2 in stock