From before recorded history, semi-precious beads have been used as both ornament and as currency. The earliest known use was in France approximately 38,000 years ago. Today we present the world’s natural treasures in beautiful gemstone beads and gemstone strands. Discover a myriad of precious and semi-precious beads from the Earth’s palette. Abeadstore.com offers such gemstones in all shapes including rondelle, round, fan, oval, pear shaped, carved, points, spheres and donuts.