Part of: Sell your Marco Bicego jewellery
Marco Bicego Africa: A Guide
Africa is Marco Bicego’s best-known collection: gold beads, each hand-engraved with fine lines so it shimmers, strung into necklaces, lariats, bracelets and earrings, sometimes with coloured stones. The Italian house, based near Vicenza, builds on generations of family goldsmithing. This guide shows how to recognise a genuine Africa piece and what decides its value.
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- A reply within one working day
- Paid the same day after inspection
Engraved by hand
Marco Bicego set up his own house in Trissino, near Vicenza, in 2000, from a family of goldsmiths. Africa shows the hand-work behind it: every gold bead is engraved with a burin in fine coiled lines, so no two beads catch the light quite the same way. The beads are then strung loosely so they move.
Which Africa piece is yours?
- Necklaces and lariats. Single and multi-strand, in different lengths.
- Bracelets. Single and stacked strands.
- Earrings. Drops and clusters of beads.
- Gem versions. Beads mixed with coloured stones or diamonds.
- Golds. Mostly yellow gold; some white and rose.
Check yours: the clasp and the beads
For every house we buy, see how we check designer jewellery.
- 1Signature
- 2750
- 3Star mark
- 4Beside an engraved bead
0 of 4 checked
1The signature
The signature "Marco Bicego" on the clasp or a tag.
2The marks
The marks 750 and the Italian maker’s star mark.
3The engraving
Fine, even hand-cut lines on every bead.
4The stringing
Beads moving freely on a well-made strand.
Checked the clasp? Send a photo of the clasp and a close-up of the beads for a free, honest check.
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Red flags
- No signature or Italian marks on the clasp.
- Beads that are smooth, cast or machine-patterned.
- Plating wearing through at the edges of beads.
- A clasp that feels loose or rough.
Genuine
- Hand-engraved coils
Copy
- Machine pattern
What is my Africa piece worth?
Whether an Africa piece holds its value comes down to the piece and its length, the number of strands, any coloured stones or diamonds, the gold colour, its condition (dented beads, a worn clasp), and whether you have the box and certificate. No box or certificate? We still buy it. We never publish figures.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
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- Piece
- Length and strands
- Stones
- Gold
- Condition
- Papers
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of the whole piece laid flat, the clasp with its marks, a close-up of the beads, and any box.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Insured up to £10,000 per parcel when you send to us.
Questions people ask
Is my Marco Bicego Africa genuine?
Look on the clasp or tag for "Marco Bicego", the 750 mark and the Italian maker’s star mark. Every bead should carry fine, even hand-engraved lines, and the beads should move freely on a well-made strand. No single detail proves it. Send a photo of the clasp and a close-up of the beads, and we will look, free.
Can I sell Africa without the box?
Yes. Many Africa pieces come to us without their box or certificate, and we buy them all the same. We read the marks on the clasp, check the hand-engraving and the stringing, and look at the condition. Original packaging helps, but it is never required to sell.
How much is Marco Bicego Africa worth?
It depends on the piece and its length, how many strands it has, any coloured stones or diamonds, the gold colour, its condition and whether you have the box and certificate, together with current demand. We do not publish prices. Send photographs for a free value inspection within one working day.
Where can I sell Marco Bicego?
To a buyer who checks the clasp, the marks and the engraving in person before paying. We buy Marco Bicego directly: a free value inspection from photographs, then an appointment in Mayfair or at our Braintree office, Special Delivery post or free collection. You are paid the same day after inspection, by bank transfer or in cash.
How are the Africa beads made?
Each gold bead is engraved by hand with a burin, a fine cutting tool, in close coiled lines that catch the light. The beads are then strung so they move loosely. Because the work is done by hand, the lines vary slightly from bead to bead, which is a good sign on a genuine piece.
Can a broken Africa necklace be sold?
Yes. We buy Africa pieces with a broken strand, a loose clasp or missing beads, and value them on what they are. Please do not have them restrung elsewhere first; keep any loose beads together. Send photographs of the piece and the damage, and we will tell you how it affects the value.
Related guides
Selling Marco Bicego Africa?
Send a photograph of the piece and its clasp for a free value inspection, with no obligation.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.