Nueva Cadiz Variation, Blue-Green, Multi-Layer, Square Cross-Section, 50x12mm

Unusual medium size Nueva Cadiz bead 50x12mm This bead is larger than those traded to the Americas in the 1500s-1700s (mostly Peru, but some also found at colonial Jamestown in VA), and smaller than most traded to Africa in the 1800s All were a turquoise color, but this has more green in the mix than the others. However, the process is the same: It's a drawn multi-layer bead darker glass at the core, surrounded by a lighter layer, and finally a darker translucent layer. The other versions had more distinct color variations, including a white middle layer. This bead has significant chip at one end Made in Europe 1800s, possibly Venice, but recent glass analysis has traced some Nueva Cadiz beads to Spanish or Belgian bead making sites. Named after a 16th century Spanish Port off the Coast of Venezuela where the 15th century version was first identified by archeologists. From the collection of Joyce Diamanti, bead researcher, writer and educator