Flat beads
Flat beads, also known as olive beads, are commonly known as happy beads. Flat beads have a long history. In general, the shape of flat beads is divided into two types: one is irregular, asymmetrical, the size is relatively large, the outer bread pulp is particularly thick, and the channel is relatively simple. This kind of bead should be from the Yuan and Ming dynasties or even earlier. There is also a more regular flat bead, and the symmetry is obvious. This southern red bead is the most common and appears relatively late. It should be a work from the beginning of the Qing Dynasty to the liberation period. Flat beads have the characteristics of long popularity and wide range, so they are the most common varieties of southern red beads, and the price is relatively low.
Abacus beads
The abacus is also called a flat bead or flatbed. The appearance of this kind of bead is similar to that of symmetrical flat beads, which should be the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, and the end of the Qing Dynasty also stopped. The level of abacus manufacturing technology is uneven, and the level of material selection is also different. Some of the shape is regular, the material selection is exquisite, the polishing is fine, the color is bright red, and it is intact, which can be described as a good product. Some have rough texture, simple craftsmanship, angular beads, and inferior quality.
Old Southern Red Onyx Flat Beads
The surface bulge is more severe. The tunnel is large, with smooth inner walls and curved orifices.
Old silky onyx barrel beads
The bead texture is symmetrical, and the natural frozen part of the agate is located in the middle of the beads, which is very beautiful. The orifices of the beads are not very large, and the sides are slightly worn, which is in line with the characteristics of most West Asian beads.
Southern red onyx
The surface of the bead is covered with raised marks.
Flattened wire-wrapped agate beads
This bead has a unique shape and is common in Western Asia. Beads are usually small, with fine pores and inconspicuous marks of wear and convexity.
Southern red agate tube beads
This kind of bead usually has a large pore, the hole is seriously worn, and the surface of the bead has obvious bump marks, rich in pulp, and has a feeling of oil.
Old Southern Red Onyx Abacus Beads
The abacus-shaped old southern red beads are also common in Tibetan areas.