The Turquoise and Trade Bead Collection

Venetian glass trade beads were the currency used with indigenous peoples by European explorers. These legendary beads figure significantly in the history of America. Lewis and Clark, Vasco da Gama, Cortez, Coranado, etc. always carried kilos of these brilliantly colored beads that so enchanted the natives. They are no longer available. All are in the hands of collectors. We've decided to break up one of our strands from the 1800s to create these kits.

Combined with Kingman, Arizona Turquoise, this collection tells the story of the first people in the Southwest.

All orders will include a monograph on Turquoise, and those orders that include trade beads will receive a seven page article on the history, lore, and identification of Venetian glass trade beads.

Trade Bead Earrings

Kit contains two antique Venetian glass beads (circa 1850 AD), approximately 9mm wide, 1/2" to 5/8" long, eight 6mm sterling silver beads, made in Arizona, four 2mm and four 4mm Red Jasper beads, two sterling silver head pins and two sterling silver ear wires.

Price is for the kit.