Vintage African Trade Glass Beads Strand Garnet Red Hand Faceted Biconical Drill 16”
A striking strand of vintage faceted glass beads in deep garnet red tones, showing translucency under light and traditional biconical drilling. These beads were originally loose and have been restrung for display.
Length: approx. 16 incheS
Bead size: ~6.5–6.9 mm
Drill: biconical (tapered from both sides)
Color: deep garnet red / oxblood with internal glow
Finish: hand-faceted, irregular surfaces
Characteristics:
- Noticeable facet variation (not machine perfect)
- Internal color variation from dark burgundy to ruby tones
- Signs of wear, minor surface abrasions, and age-related texture
- Some beads show slight asymmetry and natural inconsistencies
These features are consistent with older trade glass beads, commonly circulated through Africa and originally produced in glassworking regions such as India or Europe for trade use.
Note: Strand is newly restrung for presentation; originally loose beads.
Provenance: From a group of African objects acquired via estate sale auction from the personal collection of African art scholar Roy Sieber. Documentation supporting this past ownership is available to the buyer upon request (personal information and pricing redacted).
Condition: Pre-Owned Fair
Color: Garnet red
Theme and style tags: african trade beads, antique beads, bohemian beads, collectible beads, czech garnet beads, garnet glass