Old Venetian Tiny Translucent Green 2 mm Drawn Seed Bead Strand

Old Venetian Translucent Green Seed Bead Strand – 2 mm Drawn Trade Beads

Discover this beautiful old Venetian glass necklace featuring a matching strand of tiny translucent green Beads – perfect for collectors or jewelry artisans.

• Bead size: 2 mm diameter
• Strand length: approx. 25 ½″ (64.5 cm) of beads
• Condition: Excellent overall - some beads have light chips; see photos for details.

Your strand will be identical to the photographed example.

History, Value & How They Were Made

These exquisite Old Venetian Seed Beads (also known as Conteria or Old Venetian Drawn Beads) date back to early‑to‑mid 1900s trade with Africa. Made in Venice using a traditional drawn‑glass technique, artisans formed long hollow tubes of colored glass, then cut and diced them into uniform tiny cylinders – the result: exquisite, translucent seed‑size beads rich in history and collector value.

Because of their age, color, historic relevance and translucent quality, these beads are highly collectible. They carry a unique patina and character that distinguishes them from modern reproductions. Whether foriling into heritage‑inspired jewelry or adding to a rare bead collection, they elevate any project.

Venetian beadmakers in Venice’s famed glassmaking districts (Murano and Conteria ateliers) used furnaces powered by wood or charcoal; molten rods were pulled, cooled, and hand‑cut to precise diameters - an artisanal craft reflecting centuries of tradition.

Intricately tied to centuries of trade and artistry, they are more than bead, they are little glass time‑capsules from Venice’s golden era of beadwork.

Browse our current offerings of seed bead strands

See our handmade jewelry collection

Visit our Archives of Venetian, Czech & African trade beads