Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic Period, 21st to 26th Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 525 BCE. This is a stunning necklace made from 27 carnelian stones and 10 high quality 88% to 89% (equivalent to 21K+) gold beads. The carnelians are hand-cut and polished into spherical and lozenge forms with central perforations for suspension. Note, the petite spherical carnelian bead near a terminal end which is "etched" with white patterning. The gold beads are comprised of a gold sheet hammered flat then molded into a hollow, biconical form with a prominent carinated center. The beads are arranged in a tasteful and balanced manner - graduating in size along the length, with the gold dispersed symmetrically between carnelian beads. The necklace is strung in modern times on a cord and a modern 91.5% (equivalent to 21K+) gold chain as a wearable and elegant piece. Size of necklace strand doubled: 23" L (58.4 cm); largest bead: 0.65" Diameter (1.7 cm); gold quality: 88% to 89% (equivalent to 21K+) for beads, 91.5% (equivalent to 21K+) for chain; total weight: 51.6 grams

Etched carnelian is a technique first developed in the Indus Valley region ca. 3000 BCE that spread via trade to Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. The stones are first painstakingly cut and shaped, before a soda paste is applied to the surface in the desired patterns and left to dry then fired to create a chemically induced etching in white! A single carnelian stone in this necklace exhibits this interesting decorative technique with undulating wavy lines.

Provenance: ex-Middletown, New York, USA collection, acquired late 1990s; ex-private upstate New York, USA collection, before 1998

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#168328

Indentations and misshapen gold beads, several with perforations and tearing as a result of bending. Chips and nicks to carnelian stones. Surface abrasions throughout the stones as well. Necklace is professionally strung in modern times and is wearable with a modern chain!