Take a closer look at this versatile strand of pastel Ashanti saucer glass beads. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used for over 1000 years. Pulverized glass of various colors is poured into a clay mold, using a cassava stem for the bead's hole. The mold is placed in a furnace and heated until the glass particles congeal without actually melting and the stem burns out. Ghanaian artisans have been making beads in this manner since the 1600s. Each bead measures about 4 x 12mm with a stringing hole size of roughly 3mm. You will receive one full strand measuring approximately 26" in length. Each strand is hand made so the pastel shade of blue may vary slightly from strand to strand. Add this staple bead to your design kit today.