The name "white heart" beads can be confusing since these beads are neither white nor heart shaped. The name comes from the white centers of these glass beads, which add an internal glow to the colored glass surrounding them. Another name for these beads is "Cornaline d' Allepo," which translates to "Carnelian of Allepo" or "Agate of Allepo." People in inter-tropical and temperate regions are said to have traditionally worn white heart beads (as well as carnelian and other agates) as a talisman to ward off disease.
The majority of our small white heart beads are newly produced in the Czech Republic. A few strands are imported from other European countries, or from Africa. You will also find a few old white heart bead strands, perfect for the collector of genuine historic beads.