{"product_id":"antique-russian-blue-segi-ile-ife-bead-necklace","title":"Antique Russian Blue \/ Segi \/ Ile-Ife Glass Bead Necklace No. 1","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA one-of-a-kind necklace composed of antique blue glass beads known variously as \u003cstrong\u003eRussian Blues, Segi beads, and Ile-Ife beads\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 16 in. from nape to drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA distinctive statement necklace designed to be worn as a finished piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique Russian Blue \/ Segi \/ Ile-Ife glass beads, powder glass donut beads, and 1 mm waxed cotton cord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe antique beads show variations in shape, color, surface, and finish, along with wear, small chips, and imperfections consistent with their age and history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of a Kind\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe necklace pictured is the exact piece you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ayo \u0026 Aye","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53443163521333,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/6165\/0997\/files\/IMG_0082-Photoroom.jpg?v=1788290853","url":"https:\/\/ayoandaye.com\/products\/antique-russian-blue-segi-ile-ife-bead-necklace","provider":"Ayo \u0026 Aye","version":"1.0","type":"link"}