I have some vintage seed beads in shades of dark gray to black, that
I think are glass (not steel, probably not jet). They are in hanks
short strings doubled up and bound with cherry-colored silk
thread. Tags (hand-cut and aged looking) indicate they are from
France. Does anyone know anything about these? I’ve had them a long
time, and they were vintage when I got them. There’s a picture on
my website (see below) - at the bottom on the far left of the home
page, click on “whatsit”. Thanks in advance.
I dare not reply after my last error about Jet - : ) but I have the
same ones, in the shade of grey that is very much like hematite. I
also look forward to the replies…
Tags (hand-cut and aged looking) indicate they are from
France.
They could possibly be Prosser beads made by Bapterosses (Briare,
France) closest thing I can think of as they are not french
nail-heads. You did not indicate the size of the bead though. They
look to be 13’s or 11 ish perhaps? They also used to make (and still
do occasionally) metal coated glass beads and steel cuts that were
popular for making purses…many were french. I would suggest asking
if anyone at the following 2 sites can help as they specialize in
vintage and antique beads.
They specialize in vintage, especially vintage seed beads. They are
a great company to do business with. I’m sure that they will be able
to identify them for you.
You might want to contact either of these two websites;
BEAD CATS. Home Page At beadcats, Virginia and Carol
sell many kinds of beads including vintage beads. Carol’s work in
well know for her use of tiny vintage beads.