African Wedding Trade Bead Necklace

This is a beautiful handmade necklace created from Mali wedding beads. Each bead is made from glass using a technique believed to have originated in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). They are one of the first glass beads made using a mechanical pressing method. Created explicitly for the African market during the 1950s. Their name is due to their popularity among the Fulani people of Mali, who traditionally present them to their daughters on the eve of their wedding.

Every wedding strand is unique with mixed beads and shapes in each one. This strand measures approximately 30 inches with 78 teardrop beads and 2 claw shaped beads.