In my ongoing consumption of things Orcadian/Canadian, I have become intrigued with trade beads. I have purchased some and have "found' others, including Hudsons Bay Beads, which was a wrap-around term for a couple specific bead types common to the company. There are millifiores, chevrons, redhearts, greenhearts, Venetian fancies, snake beads, french cross beads ( a favourite of the Northwest Company) and others. But to my astonishment, in my ignorance, I discover that the Vikings who were first here from Europe, traded beads and wore them. Allegedly they were sourced too from Venice and would have been of the same type as the earlier trade beads here, as well as some others specific to Norway and other viking haunts. Question is, where would one be able to see an example of an authentic Viking bead type or types, and is there any jeweler in Orkney or antique/collectibles person who might have an idea where to source this amazing artifact and artform. I expect there som out there that are a thousand years old. Some had to be interred in Orkney. Perhaps some Orkney affectionado would have a clue where to start. I chose to start here, because this good old site has been so productive for me, I just know that someone will have the answer. -12 here this a.m., but spring promises not to be late. Yours Aye......Stephen (Canorky chap)