Indian Glass Beads

Venetian Trade Beads from Venice have always been coveted , both in West Africa, where they were shipped to starting as early as the late 19th century, and in Europe and North America.

India has been making beads for centuries and started making beads that look like the Venetian Trade Beads from about 1980. The Indian beads are generally larger than the original Venetian beads with larger holes .

These Indian Venetian Beads found their way to Ghana’s Bead Markets where Funky Frog found them and was captivated by their colourful and varied shapes. A strand of  jaunty Bumblebee yellow and black stripes beads are about 16 mm. There are three strands to choose from: 20 beads, 36 beads and 49 beads. They are handmade so will vary in size , shape and colour. You will receive a strand similar to the photos.