Translucent Old Venetian 2 mm Seed Glass Trade Beads Strand

Translucent Old Venetian 2 mm Seed Beads – Early 1900s African Trade

This luminous strand of Old Venetian Seed Beads features a rare and radiant golden translucent hue. These tiny drawn beads, used in the African trade in the early to mid-1900s, are a true collector's gem—perfectly matched and rich in character.

• Size: approximately 2 mm in diameter
• Length: approximately 27″ (68.5 cm) of beads
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition — a few beads show minor surface chipping (see photos)

These golden Conteria beads are ideal for:

• Creating elegant, historically-inspired jewelry
• Bead embroidery, sewing, and embellishment work
• Collectors of antique Venetian glass and African trade beads

History, Value & Craftsmanship

Venetian seed beads—also known as Old Venetian Drawn Beads or tiny Conteria beads—were expertly produced by drawing molten glass into thin tubes and then cutting and finishing them into uniform, small rounds. Venice was the center of global glass artistry, and these beads reflect that legacy.

Used in trade throughout Ghana and other parts of West Africa during the 1900s, these beads served both economic and cultural purposes. Their fine craftsmanship and glowing golden tone make them highly desirable for both artistic use and historical appreciation.

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