Designer Eye Trade Beads – Black, White & Multicolor 37–38 Beads

A dramatic black ground. Repeating eye-like motifs. A full 21-inch strand built for statement design.

These striking trade beads feature bold white ringed motifs punctuated by red, yellow and dark multicolor centers against a deep black ground. With approximately 37–38 beads per strand, their rhythmic pattern gives designers an immediately recognizable component for necklaces, bracelets and mixed-bead compositions.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Pattern becomes the focal point in these distinctive black Eye Trade Beads.

Each bead features multiple circular or eye-like motifs distributed across a predominantly black surface. Creamy white rings create strong contrast, while small red, yellow and darker accents introduce controlled flashes of color throughout the strand.

Rather than reading as a single flat pattern, the repeating motifs rotate around the beads, creating visual movement as the strand curves, drapes and shifts.

At approximately 12.5–13mm × 14–14.5mm, these beads have substantial presence while remaining practical for wearable jewelry. Each approximately 21-inch strand contains 37–38 beads, giving designers enough material to establish a strong repeating pattern or distribute individual beads throughout multiple coordinated pieces.

Use the full strand for a graphic necklace, separate the beads with muted golden African brass, or combine them with solid-color Krobo glass beads to build a layered composition.

These trade beads were sourced by Aadampo in Ghana but were not manufactured in Ghana. Their exact country of manufacture remains unverified.

Selected by Aadampo African Beads for jewelry designers, brands, makers, bead stores and creative professionals seeking distinctive beads with strong pattern, scale and design versatility.

Culture • Connection • Creativity • Community

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

1 Strand of Trade Beads

Approx. Quantity: 37–38 beads
Approx. Bead Size: 12.5–13mm × 14–14.5mm
Approx. Hole Size: 2–3mm
Approx. Strand Length: 21 inches

The photographed beads feature a predominantly black ground with white ringed eye-like motifs and red, yellow and dark multicolor centers.

Individual motif placement, color distribution and visible surface characteristics vary from bead to bead.

All measurements and quantities are approximate.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Product Type: Eye Trade Beads
Product Category: Trade Beads
Approx. Bead Size: 12.5–13mm × 14–14.5mm
Approx. Hole Size: 2–3mm
Quantity: Approx. 37–38 beads
Strand Length: Approx. 21 inches
Material: Verification Required
Shape: Rounded / Slightly Faceted Appearance
Color Family: Black / Multicolor
Primary Color: Black
Secondary Color: White / Cream
Accent Colors: Red • Yellow • Dark Multicolor
Finish: Matte / Satin Appearance
Country of Origin: Verification Required — Not Ghana
Sourced From: Ghana
Cultural Region: Verification Required
Technique: Verification Required
Condition / Age Classification: Verification Required

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL CONTEXT

General Historical Context

Trade beads belong to a broad material history shaped by the circulation of beads through commercial, social and cultural exchange networks across Africa and other regions. Beads from different manufacturing centers entered African markets alongside locally produced beads and became materials for adornment, design, exchange, collecting and other expressions of material culture.

The circular decoration on this strand is described as eye-like based on its visible appearance. This descriptive terminology should not be interpreted as assigning a particular spiritual, protective, ceremonial or cultural meaning to the motif without supporting documentation.

Verified Product Provenance

These trade beads were sourced by Aadampo in Ghana but are not Ghana-made beads.

Their exact country of manufacture, maker, production period, material composition and manufacturing technique have not been verified.

Aadampo therefore documents Ghana as the sourcing location—not the country of origin.

PRODUCT VARIATION NOTICE

Individual beads may vary slightly in:

• Motif placement
• Motif shape
• Accent-color distribution
• Shape
• Dimensions
• Surface characteristics

These differences create the visual rhythm visible throughout the strand.

Measurements, strand length and bead counts are approximate. Colors may vary slightly due to lighting, photography and screen settings.

SAFETY / USE NOTICE

Not intended for consumption. Do not eat.

Beads and jewelry components may present a choking hazard. Keep away from small children and pets.

Intended for jewelry making, collecting, creative work, educational or cultural-material study and decorative applications as appropriate.