Antique Venetian Glass Beads

IMG_7323          Glass bead.


Once a long time ago I came upon a large box full of antique Venetian glass beads. I had never seen anything like it. Each bead was unique, hand crafted and whimsical beyond my imagination. I stopped in my tracks and caught my breath. Then I asked the antique dealer the famous question that longs for an answer that will set a buyer’s heart a dancing,


“How much?”


IMG_7324His answer was not what I hoped for. I felt my disappointment briefly, and then my desire started to calculate, wondering how I could negotiate and have the dealer give me a better price.


Though no matter what I offered, begged, bartered, or insisted for, his price was firm and defeating. I could not justify a deal where my clients would make only pennies.


Finding unusual, creative, beautiful antiques was one thing, finding them affordable at a good resale value was another.


Everything has its price, even small whimsical antique Venetian glass beads, and unfortunately the asking price was not feasible for resale.


Antique glass beads 


I started to walk away and in doing so I heard the knock on my head, “Hello?” I realized that even though the price was too high for resale, it certainly wasn’t too high to buy and give as a gift to someone.


Buying to sell is one thing, buying to keep or offer is another. Beads


My cousin Julie aks Sheba collects beads, and I knew in flash they would be a perfect gift for her. Carefully I scooped some up….Isn’t it a pleasure to find the perfect gift for someone you love?


                                                     IMG_7290


My cousin adored the antique Venetian glass beads, and created a mobile with them. Which is a perfect ending for these sweet little beads… Ah fate offered a twist of sparkle and twinkle. My cousin’s apartment which they hang offer a spectacular stage to dance, and bounce back light.


                               



Comments

19 responses to “Antique Venetian Glass Beads”

  1. Oh how positively sweet! I love this tale of beauty found and beauty lost … but only for a moment before beauty is secured with the loveliest of intentions. Precious. : )

  2. oh yes..
    they are lovely..
    antique glass has its philosophy..
    doesn’t it..
    glass is a very interesting object..being so fragile.. and surprisingly persistent..
    we have been visiting a museum.. while I was at my thirthies..
    they were exposing a newly found shipwreck.. just as they found it underwater.. everything in place.. the glass jars as well.. hundreds of glass jars..
    it was dating back to antiquity..late roman times.. there were even food residues on the plates ..
    you may want to have a look..here is a link for you.. it is wonderful..
    http://www.bodrum-museum.com/museumtr/departmanlar/glasswreck.htm
    when I have seen these fragile objects..
    I thought.. for the first time in my life..
    where was the man who crafted these..
    where were all the people who made all these beautiful fragile handcrafted objects.. if so..
    isn’t man even more vulnerable than glass
    which may remain intact for centuries..
    while their creators are gone..
    and I thing it was the first time I realised..that we remain in our crafts..
    first time I understood.. life is short .. art remains..
    not even the memory of those who love us lasts as long as what we create..
    and protect the objects of far gone days is an important mission then .. that is what you do..
    have a nice.. weekend..
    a wonderful one..

  3. i was over there
    on the weather blog
    checking out
    the sunny skies in
    ~*veneto*~
    as i sat dreaming.
    give me a sign,
    i prayed, for where
    i should go next year
    for my next adventure…
    and then i popped over here.
    🙂
    well, as luck would have it,
    YOU
    were my sign with your beautiful gift
    for your ever-so fortunate cousin.
    go here—>venice!!
    so thank you for the confirmation!
    🙂
    YES, something that costs
    too much to sale,
    too much to keep
    MUST be given away
    and
    But Of Course
    you would know that, missy,
    of the Victoria Magazine
    ~perfect spread~

  4. These are just amazingly beautiful Corey and Sheba has certainly designed the perfect way to display them. Hope you kept a few for yourself!
    Do stop by my blog today – you will see a new antiques hunter in training. How I wish she was coming with me in October. Wouldn’t she love to unearth treasures such as these beads………….and walk through Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Sunday morning, touching beauty all around!! I’m so excited about going, can hardly wait!

  5. Not only have you gifted your cousin with a wonderful treasure, YOU will have the pleasure of seeing them again and again in a perfect setting, a setting built on love.

  6. The beads are so beautiful, each one it’s own piece of art. Why is it we come so late to realization sometimes? Your cousin is a lucky woman and it’s wonderful that you can revisit the beads and remember their purchase.
    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

  7. Gorgeous and priceless just like you~
    You are a work of art.
    I love you
    Stay gorgeous
    Love Jeanne
    Ciao Bella

  8. I’m so glad there was a “knocking” on your brain that did not allow you to pass these small treasures by. Your cousin has found the perfect way to display them and I’m sure they bring her such joy.
    Hope you and yours are having a wonderful weekend.

  9. I would not have been able to resist either. So unique and delicious 😉 Ah, Venice.

  10. Your soul is as beautiful as these beads.
    🙂

  11. Pretty 🙂 seems like they are floating in the air

  12. oh what a lovely treasure. I think the mobile is beautiful. So glad you didn’t pass them up.
    blessings and love

  13. I’ve never seen anything like them; beautiful, unique.

  14. Those are quite beautiful!!
    I see why you and your cousin liked them.
    Rosemary

  15. We’ve been away again. I’m catching up with you this evening. This post is beautiful. It’s been a joy to read about your daughter’s first love. Bittersweet to read about your parents’ anniversary.
    I always feel at peace when I visit here.
    Thinking of you.
    Pat

  16. Absolutely Gorgeous, What a wonderful story to go along with the sparkling beads too. Jamie

  17. Paris Parfait

    A clever trick with those beautiful beads! (And all too often I find those pricey things that are destined for home or for gifts. You wouldn’t believe the treasure trove I’ve discovered in the Loire Valley!)

  18. Bonnie Buckingham

    Did you celebrate Bastille Day?
    I made Cherry Clafoutis from Susan
    Loomis’ cookbook!
    Bonnie

  19. India produces variety of beads such as glass beads, wood beads, clay beads, horn beads, metal beads, ceramic beads, lac beads and many more. Crystal beads are very popular due to their transparent and clear nature which makes them shine with any type of accessories. Indian handmade beads are one of the most demanded beads in the world. The majestic handwork of the Indian expert craftsman has made these beads very popular all around. Lac beads are generally handmade and are greatly admired by people all over the world for its exclusive handwork. Glass beads occupy the biggest bead market in India and are available in variety of colors, designs and shapes. Indian glass beads are exported in all countries as they are cheaper and have great finish. Wood beads are also available in abundance, carved wood beads and painted wood beads are the two main streams under which wood is processed to make beads. Although ceramic beads don’t have as big market as glass or wood beads but it has a great potential. The shiny finish of ceramic beads makes them very attractive. The main thing which has lead to the extensive spread of the Indian bead market is the fact that every buyer (whether it be a small shopkeeper or a wholesale businessman) can satisfy his needs of beads through the Indian market. Normally people dealing in wholesale beads keep a great variety of beads under a single roof which makes it easy for the buyer.

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