Millefiori Glass Beads Strand

Product Description: This is a strand of Millefiori beads, known for their vibrant and intricate patterns. These antique beads originate from Venice and are a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the region.

Specifications:

• Origin: Venice
• Length: 70cm
• Main Bead Size: 12mm x 33mm

Special Notes: Please note that, due to their antique nature, these beads may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Millefiori:

Era: Late 1800s to early 1900s

Origin: Venice

Technique: Mosaic application or mosaic inclusion method

In Africa, these beads are known as "Chachaso." The term "Millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian, refers to the colorful, flower-like patterns of the beads. After Venice's monopoly on trade with the East collapsed and Bohemian glass dominated the European market, Venetian glassmakers responded by creating intricate decorative glass pieces. Millefiori glass is a prime example of this initiative. These glass beads were shaped into cylindrical forms and transported to Africa as trade beads by merchants already engaged in bead trade with the continent.