One medium antique, collectible African amber bead 20x31mm
This mid-size lighter amber bead is drilled through the center as usual, but also has a well worm perforation extending from top to bottom of the bead. This offers all kinds of interesting design possibilities, or makes it a nice addition to a collection
“African Amber” is by now antique (more than 100 years old), but it’s not the same material as Baltic amber that's millions of years old.
What’s been called “African Amber” or “Copal Amber” in the trade was actually made of 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.
Only one available
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
