A long time ago, when I worked on oil tankers in the USMM, I was a sea-to-sea bead hoarder. Back in the late 1970s, it was not easy to get unusual beads as we didn't have the imports, stores, or the internet like we have today.
I didn't get to go ashore when we made a quick stop in the Cape Verde Islands, but my ship mate scouts knew what I wanted...and if they did...they knew I was the cook and they would eat like kings. Being the cook aboard ship had alot of perks!
I was presented with a string of beads from one hungry seamate and from the first moment I saw them, I knew what they were. They are handmade Italian porcelain and although they don't have a formal style name, they have the look of present day Talavera. I have never wanted to sell these beads but I came across more vintage beads I hoarded that had to be put together with the vintage Italian beads.
The look is stunning as the porcelain tube beads are white, cobalt, yellow, and light lime green. When mixed with old satin cobalt glass ribbed squash beads and yellow faceted crystals, the colors and textures are extremely unique. The color mix of white, cobalt, and yellow is actually a very old European favorite. There are small light blue translucent glass round beads flanking the porcelain beads to prevent the crystals from rubbing on the porcelain.
I've added a fancy large silver-plated hook clasp. The necklace is a long strand and a perfect length at 42 " or 107 cm long. The porcelain tube beads are each 7/8" or 20 mm long. The necklace is strung on Acculon, or teflon coated stainless steel, for durability and longevity.
I left two beads out and made matching earrings with them. The earrings are made for pierced ears with gold metal ear wires with safety back closures. If you would like the gold ear wires switched out for silver metal ones (same style at no charge) please send me a note during checkout.
All of the beads are in pristine perfect condition with no wear or imperfections. The necklace and earrings are sparkling clean and bright. Comes gift wrapped and shipped in a new presentation jewelry box.
