In the 17th and 18th century , these blue beads were used for trade by the Dutch . Made in Amsterdam , slaves on the island were given the beads as wages which they used as currency and also to buy their freedom . Island legend says after emancipation , the slaves threw these blue beads into the sea to celebrate their freedom .
Divers are usually on the lookout for these beads when diving in Blue Bead Hole . They are sometimes found after the sand in this dive area has been disturbed . Oftentimes one may find one on a beach .
Blue beads are an important part of the history of Sint Eustatius . Another island legend says , “ you don ’ t find blue beads , the blue bead finds you . If you ’ re found , you will always come back to Statia .”
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