Shipwreck Sale: Fancy Large African Trade Beads

The fancier beads--multi colored, mosaic style, large, unusual shapes, special coloration--are generally more in demand and hence more expensive. This strand I would place in the middle of these characteristics. They have a bit of everything in that the spot coloring is nice, the beads are larger than many and they are neither round nor large tubes. And this is a highly desirable strand. As with everything I buy, I LIKE what I acquire.

The historian and collector in me seeks out items with stories or that I simply like! So most of the beads here are in about the same general price range, but I wouldn't single out this strand....versus say the light blue glass trade beads offered further along in the listings. They both, and most, have a certain eye-appeal that might set them apart from more common beads in the eyes of most collectors. And that is by design; if they might be mediocre or just pretty ordinary, I don't acquire them.

Occasionally you may find "plain" strands (there are a couple here) but that doesn't rule them out as special. The small beads/very long strand that are somewhat a neutral beige and uniform in size, won't wow you like a bright color or colors, but they still are historically sound and when traded a couple hundred years ago they might well be paired with say 10 bright red beads in a pattern, or worn just as they are with the addition of a special pendant. This strand is a little shorter than most but it still would measure nearly 22 inches when laid straight. Because of the very pretty off-white color and nice shape, as well as the spots of color, this might be worn as it is without adding any additional creative touches.

I know that how/why collectors purchase beads varies a great deal: A Christmas gift for a spouse, for everyday wear by male or female, taking apart to use beads with other strands and of course, added to a display shelf. How many times have you seen jewelry stores with some object such as driftwood in a display case, with strands of colorful beads or faceted stones draped over it? And like museums, collectors display beads in many different ways. Museums might have single case with 8-10-15 strands display hanging simply next to one another with information on cards below each.

Many collectors dont' hesitate to purchase short strands, perhaps only 12-15 inches inches which wouldn't work alone to be worn. And if one is going to wear a strand they need to be restrong properly and securely and a clasp added.

SPECIAL: Because I personally favor this strand, I thought I would make an exception to most and send this piece postpaid--free shipping.