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  More »

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. - (FJ.4405)Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 17 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD Collection: Jewlery Style: Venetian Trade Beads Medium: Glass   « Less

This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass  More »

This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass techniques used by the ancients. Venetian beads were soon traded throughout the world, and were especially prized in Africa, where they assumed the stature of currency. In this remarkable jewel, the soft, earthy tones of the glass blend perfectly with the mottled richness of the stone. Such a necklace might have adorned the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra or a tribal chief. The person who wears it today is certain to feel like royalty themselves. Many of the old beads were made in Europe and India and transported to West Africa initially by Arab traders, overland from North Africa and from around 500 years ago, by the European traders in their sailing ships, to be used as currency to purchase gold, ivory and palm oil etc. on the triangular trading routes from Europe to West Africa then onto the West Indies to return with produce from the plantations. We see these beads mainly worn by the royalty of Africa, because of their high value, and artistic craftsmanship. - (FJ.4423)Origin: Venise, Brazil Circa: 1600 AD to 1800 AD Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass, Jasper   « Less

For thousands of years, men and women have ornamented themselves with jewels and amulets made from jasper and glass. The early Egyptians first brought these jewels into  More »

For thousands of years, men and women have ornamented themselves with jewels and amulets made from jasper and glass. The early Egyptians first brought these jewels into favor, and they have remained popular ever since. Red jasper is believed to help circulate the blood, to calm anger, and to bring courage to the wearer. Glass is prized for its brilliant colors and its flexibility of form. These glass beads, created by the artisans of Venice, were first used as a medium of exchange in Africa. So popular and sought after were Venetian trade beads that they became the standard of wealth in areas of Africa, used as part of the bridal dowry. Combined together, red jasper and antique glass create a necklace of dramatic beauty, rare as a jungle flower. Whoever wears this piece will be updating an ancient tradition in a completely contemporary way. - (FJ.4427)Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 19 th Century AD to 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass and Jasper   « Less

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  More »

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. - (FJ.4457)Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 14 th Century AD to 17 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Trade Beads Medium: Glass   « Less

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  More »

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. - (FJ.4589)Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 19 th Century AD to 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Trade Beads Medium: Glass   « Less

Necklace composed of Venetian glass trade beads. During the late Middle Ages and throughout the renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass  More »

Necklace composed of Venetian glass trade beads. 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. - (FJ.4651)Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 AD to 1800 AD Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

One of the earliest and most renowned European glass bead-making centers was in Venice, which dominated the world market in volume, quality, and diversity of beads until the  More »

One of the earliest and most renowned European glass bead-making centers was in Venice, which dominated the world market in volume, quality, and diversity of beads until the 20th century. The beginnings of Venetian glass manufacture are not clear, but the discovery of glass making furnaces, vessel fragments, and mosaic cubes, dating from 600 ad. To 650 ad. On the island of Torcello in the Venetian lagoon implies glass production occurred in the vicinity from an early point in Venetian history. By the 18th century, Venice had a near monopoly on the glass bead market. Venice's loss of prevalence in the bead market in the following centuries was only due to the rise of local markets for rosary beads in particular, in places like Germany, the Baltic, Bohemia, and Mora via these stunning beads of two shades of blue, green, and orange colored design evidence the exceptional artistry of the Venetian bead makers. Beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with golden stars, lapis lazuli has been treasured since the dawn of civilization. Its sources are few, mostly in eastern mines of what is now Afghanistan, and its rarity made it the favored jewel of ancient royalty. The kings and queens of Mesopotamia had their cylinder seals carved of lapis; the Egyptians made their most precious amulets from it. So eager were the Egyptians for objects made from lapis that they created an imitation paste from the ground stone. During the renaissance, the rich ultra-marine of the great master painters were also made from powdered lapis, brought overland on arduous journeys that took years. Poets from Ancient Sumer through the modern age have used it as a metaphor of beauty and rarity. Besides its appealing loveliness, the gem is thought to have curative powers and is used as a remedy for fever, gall-stones, sleeplessness, and above all, melancholy. Who, looking upon this splendid necklace, could feel anything but happiness? - (FJ.5856)Origin: Venice Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass and Lapis   « Less

One of the earliest and most renowned European glass bead-making centers was in Venice, which dominated the world market in volume, quality, and diversity of beads until the  More »

One of the earliest and most renowned European glass bead-making centers was in Venice, which dominated the world market in volume, quality, and diversity of beads until the 20th century. The beginnings of Venetian glass manufacture are not clear, but the discovery of glass making furnaces, vessel fragments, and mosaic cubes, dating from 600 ad. To 650 ad. On the island of Torcello in the Venetian lagoon implies glass production occurred in the vicinity from an early point in Venetian history. By the 18th century, Venice had a near monopoly on the glass bead market. Venice's loss of prevalence in the bead market in the following centuries was only due to the rise of local markets for rosary beads in particular, in places like Germany, the Baltic, Bohemia, and Mora via these stunning beads of two shades of blue, green, and orange colored design evidence the exceptional artistry of the Venetian bead makers. Beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with golden stars, lapis lazuli has been treasured since the dawn of civilization. Its sources are few, mostly in eastern mines of what is now Afghanistan, and its rarity made it the favored jewel of ancient royalty. The kings and queens of Mesopotamia had their cylinder seals carved of lapis; the Egyptians made their most precious amulets from it. So eager were the Egyptians for objects made from lapis that they created an imitation paste from the ground stone. During the renaissance, the rich ultra- marine of the great master painters were also made from powdered lapis, brought overland on arduous journeys that took years. Poets from Ancient Sumer through the modern age have used it as a metaphor of beauty and rarity. Besides its appealing loveliness, the gem is thought to have curative powers and is used as a remedy for fever, gall-stones, sleeplessness, and above all, melancholy. Who, looking upon this splendid necklace, could feel anything but happiness? - (FJ.5857)Origin: Venice Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass and Lapis   « Less

Chevron beads, first invented by the Venetians in about 1500 A.D., have been an extremely popular form of adornment throughout the ages. As a specialized cane or drawn-glass  More »

Chevron beads, first invented by the Venetians in about 1500 A.D., have been an extremely popular form of adornment throughout the ages. As a specialized cane or drawn-glass bead, the chevron is formed by forcing or blowing a single or multiple-layered gather of glass into a tapered mold with corrugated sides, which produces points on the outer surface. This pleated gather is then encased with additional glass layers of various colors, which may again be molded to produce further outer layers with points. Finally, stripes may be applied to the surf ace. While the multi layered, hollow-gather is still viscid, it is drawn into a cane of at least six feet, cooled, and finally sectioned into beads. These sections are often reheated or ground to produce a more finished product in various new shapes. - (FJ.5858)Origin: Venice Circa: 1500 AD to 1700 AD Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

Chevron beads, first invented by the Venetians in about 1500 A.D., have been an extremely popular form of adornment throughout the ages. As a specialized cane or drawn-glass  More »

Chevron beads, first invented by the Venetians in about 1500 A.D., have been an extremely popular form of adornment throughout the ages. As a specialized cane or drawn-glass bead, the chevron is formed by forcing or blowing a single or multiple-layered gather of glass into a tapered mold with corrugated sides, which produces points on the outer surface. This pleated gather is then encased with additional glass layers of various colors, which may again be molded to produce further outer layers with points. Finally, stripes may be applied to the surf ace. While the multi layered, hollow-gather is still viscid, it is drawn into a cane of at least six feet, cooled, and finally sectioned into beads. These sections are often reheated or ground to produce a more finished product in various new shapes. - (FJ.5859)Origin: Venice Circa: 1500 AD to 1700 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less