BEADS: Gablonz Sprengperlen 24" "Russian Blue" "Cut Blues" Late 1800s

Description: This beautiful strand of faceted glass beads, measuring a long 24 inches in length, is a stunning example of Bohemian bead working. Originally referred to as Sprengperlen (translation is Mother of Pearl), in Germany and Bohemia, Jargsdorf, S., 1995, bead artists started with opaque light blue then added a translucent blue glass, in an attempt to make them look like pearls (interestingly, in many countries, the word for "bead," literally translates to "pearl."). This long strand has many examples including a couple that are completely translucent. They were principally made for the women of Europe, but over the years, they moved into the West African trade. Besides this being the longest strand of these early 1800s, perhaps older, beads, you'll notice they're graduated. These beads are sure to become a cherished addition to your collection. Sizes range from 5 mm by 5.2 mm up to 8.2 mm by 11 mm. Be sure to look at my other items because I combine as many items as I can safely pack in one box. It saves a bundle on postage as a number of small items can be packed with a large one. I charge no fees for handling. If the total weight makes the USPS charge more, then I do pass that along to you, but if the mail software charges something outrageous, I refund the difference. I typically choose to use USPS Ground Advantage but if I think it’s worth it, I’ll list is as Priority; you can always ask that I adjust the invoice. The USPS doesn’t recognize “fragile” anymore - 3 different clerks told me “we don’t have a fragile class of mail.” But I pack as well, perhaps better, than the average bear. Sorry, no returns. Here's a note about my bead collection – I’m old so it includes examples from vintage to ancient back to c. 22,000 BCE and there are many (thank you to the market who created sectioned hardware boxes; I just lined them with felt) – so I’ve been collecting since the 1950s. My documentation is referenced in published literature, journals, books, photographs, and scientists; you may see a photo of one shelf in my library; there are 4 more. Sadly, books aren’t for sale. Holding antique beads makes me think of their meaning as talismans, religious protection, small works of art, for use as money, the beads’ origins, and the people who held them before me. Beads have served quite probably as the first form of body ornament and while a couple tattoo historians and artists of today may disagree, I believe it was far more preferable as a tribe member to drill a shell and wear it on handmade rope as opposed to pain. (If you want to see if I have others not yet listed, send a message through eBay and I'll list what you want if I have them. I do not do “side deals" off eBay.)

Price: 334.95 USD

Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

End Time: 2024-12-03T17:14:07.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD