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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
"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
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
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
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.
32 in stock
Medium Old Amazonite Chunky Bead
STAFR2009
Medium/small size and smooth amazonite bead from Mali; appears to be an old bead, but the date is uncertain. Very cool diamond shape, not unlike the Mauritanian amber beads. Photo shows the variation in size and color of this unusual type of bead. Average size is 30mm x 32mm x 15mm thick with holes drilled in two directions. SOLD SEPARATELY, not as pictured.
5 in stock
Large Dark Green Amazonite Bead
STAFR2007
Large, smooth amazonite bead from Mali; appears to be an old bead, but the date is uncertain. Please order by letter; Bead A is 52mm x 44mm x 23mm thick; Bead B is 51mm x 47mm 23mm thick. Drilled in two directions. Very nice dark green. PHOTO SHOWS BOTH BEADS, SOLD SEPARATELY not as a pair.
2 in stock
Dark Green Amazonite Beads; Medium
STAFR2003E
Dark green amazonite beads over 1,000 years old; medium size beads 10mm-13mm in diameter x 5-7mm thick with 1-3mm hole. Excavated and gathered from Djenne, Mali in Africa. Great for all sorts of projects! Photo shows variations in shapes and color or these beads,SOLD SEPARATELY not as a set.
7 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.
12 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
Antique Carved Carnelian Beads, F
STAFR2005_f
Antique carved carnelian dangle beads. Made in India, traded in Mali in the early 1900’s. Awesome color. Sold as a set of 9; average size 13-16mm long x 7-9mm wide x 5mm thick; very small 1mm holes. SOLD AS A SET ONLY
1 in stock
Antique Carved Carnelian Beads, E
STAFR2005_e
Antique carved carnelian dangle beads. Made in India, traded in Mali in the early 1900’s. Awesome color. Sold as a set of 5; average size 15mm long x 9-10mm wide x 5mm thick; very small 1mm holes. SOLD AS A SET ONLY.
5 in stock
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