ABCGEMS New England Darkest-Purple Wampum Shell Beads from Northeastern USA (America’s First Currency from 1637-1673) Hand Polished for Maximum Luster – Rich Striations – Smooth Edges -Heishi 8mm

Each order includes ONE 15.5-inch strand of natural wampum shell heishi beads. These are not ready-to-wear but made for crafting necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Beads feature lightly rounded edges (prevent chipping & sharpness) and 1.5mm holes, perfect for stringing onto most cords, wires, or elastic for custom designs. [Photos may show multiple strands for visual reference only — this listing includes one strand per order]
Before paper money ever circulated in North America, wampum beads were used as currency—and these are made from the same shell. Between 1637 and 1673, Indigenous tribes and colonial settlers used purple and white shell beads in trade, treaties, and diplomacy. These weren’t just decoration—they held monetary and cultural value. Our beads are cut from genuine Atlantic quahog shells, preserving the same materials that once carried the weight of an economy and the stories of nations.
Each bead is carved from the deepest core of the quahog shell, where the natural “midnight purple” hue is most vibrant. Unlike factory-made beads, ours are hand-polished one at a time to maintain their luster, smooth curves, and rich striations. This process mirrors the craftsmanship of Indigenous artisans who once shaped these same shells into ceremonial belts and trade goods passed down through generations.
These colors don’t happen overnight. Our shells are sourced from wild, mature clams in the cold Atlantic waters of New England. It takes over 10 to 20 years for the shell to develop the deep purples you see—far richer and more intense than anything from farmed or bleached alternatives. The result is a bead with true character, shaped by time and tide.
We’re ABC GEMS USA, a family-owned company with two decades of experience supplying rare, natural shell and gemstone beads. Our products are trusted by professional jewelers, collectors, and designers worldwide. To see more of our premium selections, just type “ABCGEMS” into the Amazon search bar and discover the beauty of materials that tell a story.