Here's another group of trailed beads, also from my collection, that I put together over a number of years. All of these are Venetian (except for the six small plain wound turquoise-blue Chinese beads). I think that many people would also call these "wedding cake" beads—though I do not.

I think they are from later in time, are coarser in decoration and larger in size—and some have their own names already. For instance, the three larger round tabular beads are "sommerso" beads, that consist of a base of turquoise-blue and avventurina chunks, seeming to float in a watery matrix, with small trailed pink roses. Sommerso beads are typically overlaid with clear glass that may be thin or thick. I watched the manufacture of these beads at Venice in 1990 at the Moretti factory. (See the link below for an OK reference.) In addition, there are ten white beads and two larger turquoise-blue beads that feature raised trailed decorations, that, like the sommerso beads, are probably closer to the 1930s as their time of manufacture. And in-between are several avventurina filler beads.

So, while I see the similarity to wedding cake beads, I think these beads are different, later, coarser, and somewhat more common. But still very nice beads. I have also had these beads for over thirty years, just as we see them here.

Jamey

I love these, what a beautiful collection of beads!

Hi Jamey

Have just posted a few thoughts in David's 'Testing' thread.

Cheers
Carole

Roses and forget-me-nots but green petals instead of the usual blue/white mix
Carole

Image from Ercole Moretti 1990's - making & finished look

Carole

Lovely quality roses and forget-me-nots
Carole

Various colours and ages
Carole

Hi Jamey,

My concept of what falls under the title of old Venetian "Wedding Cake" beads is about the same as yours except I would add "jewel tones" to the mix.

But basically, beads with raised trailed decorations, muted or jewel tones, with or without avventurina or gold foil, floral patterns, clear and colored glass. Beads can be in ellipsoidal, round, tubular, rectangular and tabular shapes.

The first image shows tubular shaped beads.

The second image shows "Wedding Cake" beads in the third and fourth strand from the top.

Carl

First image - The pink tabulars in the first strand on the left and the white and black tabulars in the sixth strand from the left are more examples of what I consider "Wedding Cake" beads.

Second image - With the exception of a few beads, all others on this strand are "Wedding Cakes"

Examples I have shown are of older Venetian beads from the African Trade that fall in the time range of 1850-1920. "Wedding Cake" beads are still being made today in Venice and India.

Wedding cakes beads plays an important part of the wedding ceremony. People love it very much and cakes are desirable part of the any occasion. Venetian wedding cakes are famous and used widely .