Rare Old Venetian 2 mm Seed Trade Bead Strand – 68 cm Tiny Drawn Glass

Old Venetian Drawn 2 mm Seed Glass Trade Bead Strand - Approx. 68 cm (26¾")

This listing is for a Rare Old Venetian Tiny 2 mm seed glass trade bead strand, in excellent condition, matching the strand shown in the photographs.

• Bead Size: 2 mm diameter
• Strand Length: Approx. 26 ¾" (68 cm) of beads
• Condition: Excellent - No chips or cracks visible; all beads intact and even in color

These tiny Venetian seed beads also known as Venetian Seed beads, Conteria beads, Old Venetian Drawn Beads or tiny drawn beads  ere used extensively in African trade during the early to mid‑1900s.

History, Value & Manufacturing

The production of these Conteria drawn beads dates back centuries in Venice, where master glassmakers developed a drawn‑glass technique. Molten canes of glass were pulled to create extremely fine hollow tubes, then cut into uniform 2 mm seed‑sized beads. These beads were prized in African trade for their vibrant colors and uniformity.

The value of this strand is significant to both bead collectors and historians. The rarity of a fully intact 68 cm strand of such tiny, genuine Old Venetian seed beads makes it highly collectible. Their precise roundness and consistent size reflect expert Venetian craftsmanship.

Every strand of these original Old Venetian drawn beads is unique and no two are identical, yet you will receive one that matches exactly the photographed example.

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