Ancient Near East, Achaemenid Persian Empire, ca. mid-6th to late 4th century BCE. A gorgeous necklace of wearable form comprised of 27 hand-carved carnelian beads of warm vermilion hues as well as ten 72% to 74% silver beads covered in a thin layer of gilt. Each gilt silver bead is of hollow form with shallow grooves stretching lengthwise across each surface, perhaps representing cowrie shells. Each ovoid bead has open terminals through which stringing was inserted, and each of the carnelian beads are drilled through their midsections for suspension. Complete with a modern loop and lobster clasp combo, this is a stylish necklace that is sure to accentuate any ensemble! Size (necklace): 17.25" L (43.8 cm); (largest bead): 0.97" W x 0.61" H (2.5 cm x 1.5 cm); silver quality: 72% to 74%; gilt quality: 2.6% to 3.9%; weight: 49 grams

Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection, via descent, acquired in Greece, Turkey, and Iran from the 1950s to 1970s while stationed as diplomats

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#144612

Wearable as shown and strung in modern times. Carnelian and gilt silver beads are ancient; stringing, loop, and lobster clasp are modern. Minor perforations, tears, and indentations to some gilt silver beads, with small chips and light abrasions to some carnelian beads, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina across gilt silver beads.