If you are looking for something special, this is it. These exceptionally rare Moon Beads are very hard to find and are known for their unusual opalescence. Dutch and Venetian traders once used these beads to trade with the people of Ethiopia and East Africa. Today, Moon Beads are prized by history aficionados and coveted by collectors of old beads alike. Their exact age is unknown but it is believed that they may be as much as several hundred years old. Beads, as pictured, will show some signs of age. Each strand is unique and may vary in size, approximate shape, shade, etc. Some beads may show minor chips or scratches.