Antique Faceted Banded Agate Trade Bead – Idar Oberstein Germany

Antique Faceted Banded Agate Trade Bead - Idar Oberstein, Germany

This exquisite faceted banded agate trade bead hails from the renowned gemstone workshops of Idar Oberstein in Germany. Dating back to the late 1800s, this bead was crafted for the African trade, where premium stones were highly valued. сох

• Size: 37 mm × 12 mm
• Perforation: approx. 1.5 - 2 mm diameter
• Condition: Very good, minor wear and age-related surface marks, see photos

The bead’s elegant banded agate layers are accentuated by expertly cut facets, creating a captivating interplay of light and color. Such vintage agate beads are rare survivors, offspring of Idar Oberstein’s celebrated German lapidary tradition and the vital Agate trade beads circulated across Ghana and West Africa.

About Faceted Agate Beads from Idar Oberstein

Idar Oberstein, Germany, has been a world-leading agate-cutting center since the 15th century. German artisans meticulously slice, polish, dye, and facet agate sourced from local and global mines. Faceting enhances the stone’s natural banding, achieving brilliance and value.

The African Trade & Cultural Importance

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these beads became key currency in the African trade, specifically in Ghana, where they were exchanged for gold, ivory, enslaved people, and other goods. Known as Agate trade beads or Antique Agate beads, they became embedded in local culture and adornment traditions.

Today, TribalGH celebrates these cultural gems and preserves their legacy. Explore more:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection
• Archived Trade Beads Collection
• See how Krobos produce beads