Beautiful African Amber diamond shapes beads with multi-directional perforations. Full range of rich colors and textures in these beads
Smallest 17-13mm, largest 35x35mm
Only one 30-inch strand with 31 beads
“African Amber” is by now antique, more than 100 years old, but it’s not the same material as natural amber from pre-historic trees.
What’s been called “African Amber” or “Copal Amber” in the trade was made from a phenolic thermosetting resin known as PF Resin or Bakelite, patented in 1909 for industrial uses. By 1910-20 it was being used for imitation amber and costume jewelry in Europe. Soon thereafter Bohemian glass beadmakers catering to the African market introduced the original “African Amber” between the world wars, with shapes and designs specifically created to please their customers who quickly adopted it for its own merits.
African Amber was by far the most expensive bead in West African markets when I lived there, highly valued by the residents as well as visitors and expats. This amber darkens over time, developing desirable fine lines caused by oxidation, heat and sunlight, but don't worry, these are not cracks
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