We feel so fortunate to have come across these amazing beads. We have 8 antique spools in the colors above. The spools are of iron, wood, or of a type of pressboard with the spool company "Chauny-Perigeueux" embossed on the spool.

These beads came from a very old French glass house of Salvatore. Originally located in Venice, Famiglia Salvatore moved its glass house to France in the 11th century. Up through the end of the eighteen century, these beads were produced and then stored in large canvas bags. In the 19th century, they were strung on fine wire and wound on the spools we have today. The beads were made for costume and textile decoration for royalty and gentry. They were originally used to decorate court gowns and costumes for weddings, baptisms, balls, coronations. The company closed early in the 20th century, and we have been told that the remaining spools are just being distributed for the first time.

Many of the colors are opalescent and are wonderful soft antique colors. Size ranges from 10-12.

The beads are sold on the wire for $7.25/foot. About 2.5 grams of beads. Click here to view inventory