Metal African & Trade Beads

Our full line of African beads includes rare, centuries-old trade beads as well as newer beads made in Africa for the worldwide bead market. In fact, we have so many African and trade beads to choose from, we've split them into three sections for easier browsing: metal African/trade beads (this page), glass African/trade beads and natural-material African/trade beads.

Most of these metal beads and pendants were created in Africa, often hand-worked using traditional methods. Make stunning centerpieces from the concentric circles of Ivory Coast brass and woven patterns of open-work brass. Choose ready-made centerpieces from our selection of brass fetishes, African crosses and other pendants. Heishi beads work perfectly as spacers, while other bead shapes and styles provide great textures and accents. Best yet, you've come to a secure online store where you can purchase with confidence. For more metal beads, see our base-metal beads and precious-metal beads. For ready-to-wear necklaces, brass figurines, beaded wall hangings and more, check out our African art.