27.10.18

Paper Beads: A Precious Collector's Item

By Paul Bell


What was the world without money? Well, it was cool, it had a bartering system. Something shiny and precious for other more valuable things. Paper Beads were the currency, the way to get all sorts of items from others. They were very valuable and still are today. Though today they are not for bartering, many people just collect them. They are also not that many going around, which makes them very expensive.

Back in the day, these gorgeous beads were used as a form of currency. People would barter with them to get items like myrrh, spices, fur, clothing and palm oil. No one who had them could go hungry or be without goods. They weren t just used to barter around, oh no they traveled to other lands and shores to acquire goods with them. This system was developed around the 12th century and continued for a long time.

There were more rare pieces and then they were those you found everywhere. The more rare but special ones included the Millefiori and Chevron. The color was also a determining factor in how available or scarce the jewelry was. The colors blue and white were produced in multitudes, they were everywhere. However, the more scarce colors were yellows and green and that made them more expensive.

Today the beautiful vintage jewelry is even harder to attain today. From the 12th to the 15th century some of these pieces got lost. Due to all the shipping and separating and moving of all the African tribes, there aren t as many lefts. The production also slowed down and money is now used to barter. So they were no longer required. When you do find one, it will be immensely overpriced, but it is kind of worth it.

Another form of the jewelry that looks bottle green or cobalt blue, very beautiful and pricy, called twisting neck pieces is also rare. Most of the jewelry was cut and polished in Bohemia but this specific piece was done in Venice. You could find them at about $620 per piece, this was the last price at an auction. So if you are up for it and you have money to blow, take your chance at an auction and see how much you get.

There are some other ones that are equally stunning, they look Russet-red. They were also for bartering and they were made during the 1800s and in Murano. They were used for bartering in Asia and North America, obtain things like oil, fuel, and artifacts. Today you can get them for $40 to $500. The price you pay will be affected by age, heritage and the colors you are trying to purchase.

Before you go looking for them, you must do extensive research. This is to prepare you for the purchase. If you hope to go home with anything once you see the item, you must go for it fast. It is not guaranteed that you might see the same make and size again. In fact you don t know if you will get the same color again, so you need to be ready from the moment you see it. Get information on it and have enough cash with you, to ensure it doesn t get snatched from you.

Other than the fact that they look gorgeous, others collect them as a reminder of what was. These are very sacred and should be kept for sentimental value as well. They are not easy to find and may cost a pretty penny, so once you have them you must hold on tight.




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