Offered in this lot are two four-layer, green chevron "Watermelon” trade bead necklaces originating from the early 19th century. The first necklace shows 56 green, four-layer trade beads on a woven cord. These beads are a classical oval shape, measuring 1/2" X 3/8". The second necklace has 35 beads of 1/2" X 3/8". Chevron beads are special glass beads; the first specimens of this type were created by glass bead makers in Venice and Murano, Italy toward the end of the 14th century. Most of the Venetian chevron beads made for export to West Africa and to the Americas have layers in red, blue, and white with rare exceptions, such as these Watermelon beads. The beads show layers of white, red, and green glass cut into beads, yielding the “Watermelon” look. The necklaces show good condition and very minor damage due to age.