Collecting Venetian Paper Beads As Passion

By Paul Bell


Ever wondered how the world was before money, how people were compensated for goods and services? Well, wonder no more Paper Beads were how things were battered for. The are many unique patterns or designs and they each represented something different. Today they are worth so much more than what they were used to barter for. And there rarer a design is the more expensive it is to attain it.

The 12th century is the time when bartering with the jewelry was very popular. The items people really went for were spices, fur, myrrh, palm oil, and clothing. If you had these exquisite pieces of jewelry, you wouldn t go hungry. People didn t just barter in-house they went to other lands to see what they offered. This was how people survived in those times.

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.

Even though bartering with them is no longer an option, many people collect them now. If you are getting them for sentimental value or just mere interest, you have to know your stuff. These ones are sacred and not easily found, you must make the most of your opportunities.




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