Antique Venetian Glass African Trade Bead Necklace | Millefiori, Wedding Cake & Eye Beads

A strand of antique Venetian glass African trade beads in striking turquoise and blue tones. This collection features predominantly eye beads (also called spotted or dotted beads) with white stripes and yellow/white dots, wedding cake beads with their raised floral appliqué, and rare encased floral lampwork beads showing pink roses and green foliage preserved under clear glass on dark backgrounds.

Dating from approximately 1880s-1930s, these beads display characteristic age-related weathering and patina consistent with Venetian production. Originally made in the Venice/Murano region of Italy for African trade routes. The encased floral lampwork beads and wedding cake beads are particularly desirable to collectors as they showcase the intricate artistry of Venetian glassmakers.

Details:

• Origin: Venetian (Venice/Murano region, Italy)
• Era: Late 19th - Early 20th Century (circa 1880s-1930s)
• Length: 71 cm | 28 inches
• Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related weathering
• No clasp; the necklace goes over the head. It is shown doubled in one photograph to illustrate all the beads, but cannot be worn doubled.