As early as 28,000 BC, beads have been traded between peoples. Many of the beads on this page date to before Biblical times, and all are far older than Columbus.
Faience beads are very unusual and difficult to find.
These are most likely from ancient Persia. Though faience has often been tied to Egypt, it was in fact manufactured throughout the Middle-East. This strand is 25 inches long. There are at least four beads that are more modern copies. The center bead is 22.8 mm wide x 31.2 mm long x 8.2 mm thick.