Blue Tiny 2 mm Old Venetian Drawn Seed Beads Strand – Rare Antique Trade Beads

Blue Tiny 2 mm Old Venetian Drawn Seed Glass Trade Beads Strand

Discover a stunning, matching strand of old Venetian drawn seed glass beads in a rich blue tone, also known as Venetian Seed Beads, Conteria, or Old Venetian Drawn Beads. This strand is a remarkable piece of African trade bead history and is offered in excellent condition. Your strand will be identical to the one shown in the photograph.

• Bead Size: 2 mm in diameter
• Strand Length: Approximately 27 1/4″ (69 cm) of beads
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition
• Quality: Matching strand with even shape and consistent color

The vibrant blue hue and tiny scale of these beads make them perfect for detailed projects. Whether you’re crafting heirloom pieces or adding to a collector’s archive, these rare Venetian Trade Beads are truly special.

History, Value & Origin

These Conteria drawn beads were crafted in Venice, Italy, using traditional glass‐drawing techniques. In the early to mid‐1900s, Venetian glassmakers created long hollow canes and then drew them into sets of thin rods. Once cooled, the rods were cut into uniform seed beads tiny, exquisite, and well‐tuned for trade.

These beads played a significant role in the African trade routes of the 20th century, prized for their color, consistency, and craftsmanship. Today, they are valued both for their historical significance and their enduring beauty as collectible trade beads or components in fine jewelry design.

Learn more:

• View our current seed bead offerings
• Explore handmade jewelry
• Browse our Archives of sold Venetian, Czech & African beads