3 Strands Tiny Venetian Red White Hearts 2-3mm Trade Beads

White Heart Beads, also known as "Hudson's Bay Beads," was a type of Venetian Trade Bead that was produced in Venice, Italy, from 1805 to 1900. Although highly collectible, these two-tone beads are comparatively plain compared to other popular trade beads of the time, such as Millefiori Beads. They have an off-white or light yellow core covered by a layer of scarlet, orange, or dark red glass. Historical evidence suggests that the vivid red color of some White Heart Beads was achieved by adding gold oxide to the glass. This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the string holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them. Photo is an example. Yours will be similar. Strand Length: 24 inches (including string/raffia) each Bead Size: 2-3mm diameter. See the picture with the penny for size comparison. 151139