One, unique very large antique, collectible African amber bead with silver or white metal collars or perforation protectors, 34x38mm
A beautiful bead, with rich dark amber color with darker brown markings
“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. This amber darkens over time, developing desirable fine lines caused by oxidation, heat and sunlight. These are not cracks. Its nearly impossible to break these beads.
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