During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries. Alabaster has been used to create fine works of art for thousands of years. A compact variety of gypsum, it is most often white, pink, or translucent in color. In Egypt and the near east, alabaster was favored for ornament, sculpture and precious objects. The tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen yielded many fine alabaster treasures. In the New Testament it mentions how Jesus was anointed from an alabaster bottle. As jewelry, alabaster provides pleasure for both the eyes and the touch, a soothing stone in soft earthy tones. Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass-Alabaster

Antiquities
Ancient Jewelry