African Trade Bead Jewelry including Handmade, Hand Painted Recycled Glass Beads This Auction is for One Necklace as Pictured with a Gift Pouch Since ancient times, traders criss-crossed the African continent in search of riches. These traders from Europe were astonished to find a wealth of materials in Africa, chiefs adorning themselves in gold, beautiful textiles and many other goods. In trade, they brought beads, often from Italy, Holland, and even Czechloslovakia.   Today, traders still criss-cross the countries of Africa in search of the most beautiful goods, the most exquisite beads. Our beads are carefully hand-selected and made into individual modern African jewelry pieces - today’s version of trade across Africa. Worldesigns has just started working with an organization of South Africans who are recycling glass into beautiful beads and creating unique bracelets and necklaces using these, and others from across Africa.  We hope that their unique art form will appeal to you and that we can continue to sell their artwork. Each handmade bead is unique.   These necklaces are made with a variety of African beads, ranging from South African and Ghana recycled glass beads,  Kenyan amber, ostrich eggshell and bone beads, Nigerian and Cameroon brass, Rhodesian coins, Ghana glass beads,and many others. The trademark of these necklaces is one large unique piece in the centre, two brass Fulani bells, and Ghana glass stars. The colour range and mixture of beads are decided by each crafter, and the selection of beads is approximately 40cm (15.75 inches) long. Each one is strung on 1.5mm leather cord tied with slip knots, allowing the wearer to change the selection of beads or add their own beads. These necklaces have an adjustable slip knot that lengthens them to approximately 26-28". The wearer can choose the desired length. .Beads can easily be restrung with jewelry findings. Each item is individual and no two are exactly alike. The beads are strung by hand by local women from townships in Johannesburg, South Africa. After an initial training period, the choice of beads and colors is left up to each crafter, and they take pride in making beautiful jewelry. Recycling Glass into Beautiful Handmade Beads     Glass bottles are recycled, crushed and powdered glass is put into molds, which are then fired in ovens. A twig is placed in the middle of each bead to create the hole. This will burn during the firing process.     Beads are then handpainted and allowed to dry in the sun. Purchase will be shipped once payment clears. New York State residents must add sales tax. See our other wonderful gift items and save on shipping by making multiple purchases. Email queries welcomed. Auction winner agrees to respond by email within 3 days and pay within 10. If you are not a serious buyer please do not bid. If you do not send payment within that time without having made other arrangements a case will be opened with the ebay Resolution Center to cancel the transaction If you aren't already known for your great gifts, shop with us and earn a fabulous reputation. We work hard to find unusual, affordable and enduring gifts for our customers to order from home! You'll be amazed by the variety of very special gift items we have collected from all over the world. Thanks for looking - Worldesigns Check out our ebay store for other wonderful Zulu and African crafts.

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