Chevrons - African Trade Beads

Venetian Chevron beads are the most beautiful, recognizable and collectable of all of the Venetian "trade beads".

Chevron beads are made using a multi-part process. Starting with the making of the cane, then another color glass is added and then placed into a 12-point star mold. This process is repeated for each additional bead layer. Chevron beads have been made in Venice since the late 1400's and are still in limited production today.

Chevron beads have been traded throughout the world, but most heavily in Africa. They are still being made in Venice today but in a limited quantity. They are also being made now in India and China but with a slighly different process.

Chevrons are very popular beads, and there are many large private collections in Africa, Europe and America. These beads remain in very high regard in Africa and are still worn to show prestige at special ceremonies and are often buried with the dead.


Please visit my website at www.14carrotsjewelry.com for more handcrafted artisan jewelry.

Labradorite Jewelry

Labradorite is truly a fascinating and beautiful mineral whose brilliance may be overlooked if it is not viewed from the proper position. It is a dull and dark looking mineral with no special virtue until the colors are observed glowing on the surface. Labradorite can produce a colorful light across cleavage planes and in sliced sections called labradorescence. The intense colors can range from blues and violets to greens, yellows, and oranges.

Please visit my website at www.14carrotsjewelry.com for more handcrafted artisan jewelry.