24/0, 22/0, 20/0, and 18/0 - 7 Great Greens Color Palette Antique Murano glass seed beads vintage Italian Venetian microbeads

In this collection, you will get 2 grams of each of the seven shades of green, which range in size from 18/0 down to the very tinest size, 24/0. These beads will not fade or change color (indeed, these have held their color for over a century). By buying the collection, you will be gaining a gorgeous palette of greens for only $1.50 a gram. Most of these beads are listed separately on my site for much more. Zoom in on the picture to get a better look (it's really hard to photograph anything so tiny).

Over a century ago, these rare beads were painstakingly hand manufactured by master craftsmen in the fabled Societa Veneziana Conterie glass factories of Murano, Italy. The slight irregularities in size and shape are an expected and natural result of the production process, which is a lost art. Highly collectible, rare, and treasured by beadworkers and collectors alike.

Two grams might not sound like a lot, but for most of us it's a lifetime supply of these rare beauties. Working with such tiny beads can really make your reputation.

The photo of the bead card shows what one inch of each size of seed bead looks like. Modern beads typically come in sizes 6/0 (not shown), 8/0, 10/0 (not shown), 11/0, and 15/0. There is a noticeable difference among manufacturers, and the diameter/thickness ratio varies greatly in both modern and antique beads, which can cause differences of opinion in sizing. The fourth column shows the delightful variety of sizes formerly made by hand in the storied bead factories of Italy and France, all the way down to 25/0. These beads can be strung with a Size 15 John James needle (not included).

Please understand that the very small sizes of antique beads demand patience and magnification, although these beads work great with a size 15 needle. I cannot tell you just how fascinating these tiniest of beads are, and how much I delight in working with them-- or just looking at them!