Antique Venetian Seed Glass Drawn Trade Beads - Tiny 2‑3 mm Strand, 67 cm

Old Venetian Seed Glass Drawn Beads - Tiny 2‑3 mm Strand (67 cm)

Here is a beautiful antique strand of Old Venetian drawn seed beads also known as Conteria beads used in African trade during the early to mid‑1900s. Your strand will match the one shown in the photographs.

• Size: 2–3 mm diameter
• Length: approx. 26½″ (67 cm) of beads
• Condition: Very good condition overall, a few beads show minor chips, see photos for details

History, Value & Venetian Craftsmanship

These exquisite Old Venetian Seed Beads, also known as Conteria or Old Venetian Drawn Beads were handcrafted in Venice and were a key component of the African trade from the early to mid‑1900s. Tiny drawn beads like these were created by drawing molten glass into extremely fine rods, then slicing them into minute cylinders. The precision and quality of Venetian glassmaking made them highly valued (and still collectible today) by traders and artisans across continents.

Their rarity, superb glass quality, and historic trade provenance lend them significant collectible and decorative value. As genuine Old Venetian Drawn Beads in such a small size (2–3 mm), this strand is especially prized by collectors, beaders, and historians alike.

Interested in similar items? Visit our other offerings here:

• Our current seed bead strands collection
• Handmade jewelry collection
• Archives of sold trade beads