I highly recommend when shopping for Antique Trade Beads You should see the following in the items description:

1. Made by one of the following; Venetians, Bohemians, Czechs, Germans, Dutch, Or Other.

2. Condition of the bead or beads; Any Chips, cracks, fractures or decoration loss.

3. Circa:Early, Mid, Late; 1700s, 1800's, 1900s or new.

4. Size of the bead or beads. I perfer to see this given in m.m. (12mm. long x 9mm. round).

5. Always check shipping cost. Does the seller offer combined shipping ?

6. If a bead has no decoration loss, no chips, no cracks & no fractures, I consider that bead to be in near pristine condition.

7. Never buy beads that are shown with a fuzzy or hard to see picture.

This is a helpful guide to follow while shopping for beads. Happy Bead Hunting !