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
Antique African Amber, oblate shapes (slightly squashed spheres) in nice range of butterscotch colors. Beads 15x19mm to 16x26, most are the larger size on a 35-inch strand with cotton cord.
“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. Aside from big Chevrons, 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.
This distinguishes it from the most recent imitation amber that is making its way into, and then out of Africa. This has a more uniform yellow color and is made alkyd resins developed in the 1950s and 60s and being made mostly in Asia, although possibly in parts of Africa as well.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
