Discover a beautiful, old matching strand of vintage "Coffee Bean" Bohemian / Czech glass trade beads. These molded glass beads, made in Czechoslovakia, were widely traded in Africa during the mid-1900s and remain highly sought after by collectors and jewelry designers.
🔹 Bead Details:
Strand Length: Approx. 23 ¾" (60 cm) of beads
Bead Size: Approx. 10 mm in diameter
🔹 Condition:
Very good condition - Some beads may have light chipping (see photos).
These beads were crafted using traditional Bohemian molding techniques, a method perfected in the Czech glass industry for centuries. The artisans of Jablonec nad Nisou developed innovative molding processes that allowed for intricate and durable glass bead designs.
Bohemian / Czech glass beads played a crucial role in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and West Africa, where they were exchanged for gold, textiles, and other valuable goods. Their cultural significance endures, with many African artisans continuing to use them in traditional jewelry making.
Your strand will be identical to the one shown in the photograph.
