Earrings with Authentic "Blue Russian" Trading Beads in Sterling Silver oval hoops.
These are collectable antique handmade glass beads. Given their one-of-a-kind nature, their sizes are not uniform - however, we divided them in 3 sizes and 4 colors.
SIZE
- small (approx 1/8") - $ 31/pair
- medium (approx 1/4") - $ 33/pair
- large (approx 3/8") - $ 35/pair
COLOR
1 = super light cobalt blue
2 = light cobalt blue
3 = dark cobalt blue
4 = super dark cobalt blue
BACKGROUND
Russian Trading Beads are faceted cobalt blue beads that were designed for export and distributed to traders, finding their way to Africa and the Americas. While they are typically referred to as "Blue Russians" they were infact made in Bohemia - i.e. the current Czech Republic. In the Americas, these beads were first traded to Native Americans in the 1700s. They were most commonly used as currency between the Alaskan Natives and Russians. Alaskan Natives would often sell Sea Otter Pelts, Whale Blubber, Furs, and other goods and services in exchange for Blue Russian Trade Beads.
HOW DID IMPERFECTA FIND THESE BEADS?
The better question would be: how did these beads find imperfecta? The story started the day when David Hedges, a local antique beads collector and dealer, came to the gallery for a visit. David noticed a necklace in the jewelry cabinet and wondered about its beads' origin - are the Antique Egyptian? he asked. From there, I learned about his decades-long beads' pursuit and incredible collection. When he mentioned the Russian Beads, their history and their importance for local tribes I could not help but ask whether I could see them. A week later, David and his cheerful smile enter the re-gallery and... the rest is history!
