These antique beads are made from vegetable ivory, the name given to the Elephant Palm plant's Tagua nut. Vegetable ivory was popular up to the beginning of World War I (1914). After the war, early plastics rose in popularity, replacing the demand for this natural, plant-based material.
Era: 1910s
Color: shades vary from ivory, cream, to a nutty greenish hue
Material: Vegetable Ivory (Tagua Nut, Corozo)
Size/Dimensions: 5x7mm
Origin: Germany
Quantity: 40
Condition: Due to the age and natural organic composition of vintage corozo (vegetable ivory), minor surface crazing or micro-crackling may be present on select beads, highlighting their authentic 1910s character.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity. Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid soaking in water or exposing to harsh chemicals, perfumes, and solvents.
These are ideal for jewelry making.
Crafted during the early 20th century, these genuine corozo nut beads were precision-turned in Germany, one of the world's premier historical hubs for fine organic turning and button-making prior to World War I.
