Tiny Old Venetian “Christmas” Beads • 2–5 mm Drawn Seed Trade Beads

Tiny Old Venetian "Christmas" Beads 2‑5 mm Drawn Seed Trade Beads

• Size: 2–5 mm diameter (tiny drawn seed beads)
• Strand Length: Approximately 31″ (79 cm) per strand
• Condition: Excellent condition – well preserved from early‑mid 1900s trade use

Your strands will closely resemble those shown in the photograph.

About These Christmas Trade Beads

Made in the early‑mid 1900s, these tiny Old Venetian drawn glass beads, often called Christmas beads or waist beads, were used throughout African trade circuits. The delicate red, green, white and glass‑natural tones evoke festive themes that earned them their nickname.

History & Value

These beads hold rich cultural and historical significance. Drawn in Venice using traditional methods, they were highly prized in African trade for adornment and ceremonial use. Their advanced age, excellent preservation, and vibrant “Christmas” palette make them sought‑after collector pieces.

How They Were Made

Venetian glassworkers would draw fine canes of molten glass, then cut them into thousands of tiny tubes. Once cooled, each tube was smoothed and tumbled to form uniform seed beads all handmade using centuries‑old techniques in Venetian workshops.

Explore more:

• Current seed beads strands
• Handmade jewelry collection
• Trade beads archives (Venetian, Czech, African, etc.)