Pre-Columbian, Mexico and northern Central America, Maya Territories, Late Classic, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A brilliant spherical jade bead with white inclusions giving it a translucent glass-like presence. Examples of beads like this are drilled then hand-shaped and smoothed to perfection. A special pendant because jade was sacred to the ancient Maya - taking on a great spiritual and religious significance. The stone’s green color lent it to associations with water and vegetation, and it was symbolically associated with life and death. On a modern necklace strand with a 14k gold hooped clasp. Size (bead): 0.8" W (2 cm) (necklace): 8.5" L (21.6 cm).

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA collection; ex-Throckmorton collection

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#162837

Wearable as shown. Jade bead is ancient, and necklace strand and 14K gold components are modern. Light chipping and encrustation scattered across the stone. Otherwise, excellent condition.