Antique Russian Blue / Segi / Ile-Ife Glass Bead Necklace No. 1

A one-of-a-kind necklace composed of antique blue glass beads known variously as Russian Blues, Segi beads, and Ile-Ife beads. These distinctive beads have a long history of circulation through international trade networks, reaching both West Africa and the Americas. In West Africa, they became particularly associated with Yoruba bead traditions and Ile-Ife.

The elongated glass beads move through brilliant cobalt, vivid blue, and deeper indigo tones. Variations in color, shape, surface, and finish give each bead its individual character and reflect the hand-worked nature and age of the glass.

Despite their name, Russian Blue beads were not made in Russia. Many were produced in Bohemia, an important European center of glassmaking, and the “Russian Blue” name developed through their association with the Russian-American fur trade during the 19th century. From European workshops, beads of this type traveled through extensive trade networks to Africa and the Americas.

This necklace has been finished by hand with durable dark brown waxed cotton cord. Small powder glass donut beads provide a contrasting finishing detail near the knotted closure.

Length: Approximately 16 in. from nape to drop.

Wear
A distinctive statement necklace designed to be worn as a finished piece.

Materials
Antique Russian Blue / Segi / Ile-Ife glass beads, powder glass donut beads, and 1 mm waxed cotton cord.

Condition
The antique beads show variations in shape, color, surface, and finish, along with wear, small chips, and imperfections consistent with their age and history.

One of a Kind
The necklace pictured is the exact piece you will receive.