Red Green heart Venetian trade beads were produced in Venice between the late 1400s and early 1900s, primarily for trade with Africa. These beads feature a vibrant green core, encased in an outer layer of contrasting color. Popular during the mid-1800s, they were traded as currency and symbols of status across African regions. In the 1960s, they gained popularity in the U.S. and Europe as 'Love Beads' during the Hippie era. Today, these beads are highly collectible, with demand growing as their availability decreases, making them sought-after artifacts of trade history. Strand Length: 32 inches (including string/raffia) Bead Size: 7-12mm diameter.