RARE African Trade Bead Millefiori Necklace featuring tubular shaped beads in green, white, orange and red. There are 6 millefiori beads and 11 vari size carved beads with various spacer beads. The necklace weighs 63.3g and it is 44cm long with a very early spring ring clasp, larger than usual and with a very low thumb knob. I have dated this piece at 1910's to be on the safe side, but it could be earlier.
Between 1720 and 1920 Murano Millefiori were used to trade along the West-African coast. It was at this time the Murano glass makers had perfected the mastery of producing multicoloured glass beads, of which the Millefiori (a thousand flowers) are the most famous ones and the expertise of how to make these colourful glass beads was a well guarded secret. Today the Vintage Murano Trade beads have a very high value and are considered collectors items.
This beautiful piece of jewellery began its journey many years ago and may have some very minor imperfections collected along its travels. By purchasing this piece you will investing in a brand new chapter of its story as well as making a positively conscious choice on sustainable fashion. Vintage jewellery for the beautiful you on our beautiful planet.
