Beautiful yellow antique Padres beads - all strands are mostly yellow, some have orange beads mixed, please select which mix of beads you want. These very old yellow Padre beads were found in Ethiopia and are estimated to be over 100 years old, the yellow color is more rare and hard to find. Originally made in Europe, these beads traveled across the world to Africa and the Americas by Spanish missionaries, monks and traders and used as currency. The name of these beads come from the 16th-18th century Catholic Spanish priests called "Padres" or "father" who wore these beads, which may have been part of the rosaries the priests would carry. These Padre beads are old and antique, so natural pitting, chips and erosion is apart of their beauty. Their old age, travels and wear rendered different shades of yellow and variations in their finishes, some shiny some more matte. No two beads are the same and these variations really make one strand all together so beautiful. Approximate Number of Beads: 90 Bead Size: 8-9mm diameter (mostly 9mm) x 6-7mm Hole Size: 2-2.5mm Strand Length: 26"