Collection: Antique Venetian Lampwork & Historic Glass Beads -Trade Bead Archives

Explore Our Archive of Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads

Welcome to the Tribalgh Trade Bead Archives – a curated collection of rare and antique trade beads we've offered over the years, as well as unique pieces from our private collection. This page focuses specifically on Venetian lampwork trade beads, also known as wound glass beads.

These beads were handcrafted in Venice, Italy using the centuries-old lampworking technique. Artisans skillfully wound molten glass around a clay-coated mandrel, layering colors and shaping intricate designs with tools while the glass was still hot. Once cooled and polished, these beads became highly valued and were traded across West Africa, where they gained cultural significance far beyond their origins. Worn in ceremonies, passed down through generations, and collected as heirlooms, each bead tells a unique story of art and exchange.

Archived Venetian, Millefiori, Chevron & Islamic Trade Beads

While this page highlights lampwork beads, our archives also include many other important bead types. Below are just a few categories — explore them to uncover even more history. Additional archived sections are available throughout our website.

• Islamic Trade Beads – Ancient beads traded across North and West Africa.
• Millefiori Beads – Mosaic-patterned beads made from layered glass canes.
• Chevron Beads – Iconic star-patterned beads with multiple colored layers.

Browse Our Current Trade Beads Collection

While the beads featured here are no longer for sale, we invite you to explore our current collection of antique trade beads. There you’ll find available Venetian lampwork, Bohemian Czech glass, Millefiori, and African-made trade beads for collectors and jewelry designers alike.