East meets West Africa in this unisex necklace. 19" Coptic cross hangs from a necklace of smooth oval agate beads accented with 2 beautiful Antique Glass Venetian Millefiori Trade beads from Ghana. Mixed metal cross from Ethiopia is 3.5"long. SS lobster clasp.

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The trade beads are all unique as they are hand-made. They have 'lived a life' before I acquired them, so there are slight imperfections.

Found in W.Africa circa 1800's, the beads are called 'trade beads' because they were used in exchange by the Europeans to purchase goods (gold, ivory, oil,...) in Africa. The Africans already had beads of all types (bone, wood, stone, resin/amber), but not GLASS! They were not yet familiar with glass-making technology. The bright, multi-colors in a single bead attracted them. Owning these beads soon became a sign of wealth.