Dimension: 17.2x11.4mm

Introduction:
Journey through the ancient trade routes with this pristine banded agate bead from the Himalayan Silk Road, harking back to a period between 1500 and 500 BC. The rich, striped patterns tell a tale of trade and culture that flourished across continents. This bead encapsulates not only beauty but also a rich tapestry of historical commerce.

Estimate: $600-$900
Ancient beads, especially those from critical trade routes like the Silk Road, have seen a surge in collector interest. Banded agate beads of this kind are treasured for their age and connection to early civilizations, garnering retail prices that can exceed $800 in the global market.

Auction Market Analysis:
Collectibles from the Silk Road possess a unique charm, captivating the auction market with their rarity and historical significance. A bead like this, with its distinctive banding and age, is a rare find, stirring the interest of collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Bidders are not just purchasing a piece of jewelry; they're investing in a legacy enshrined in stone.

Collector & Resale Insight:
Historical beads such as this have witnessed an average market value increase of about 120% in the past ten years. The rarity and historical significance of Silk Road artifacts continue to push their value upward, promising a wise investment for the discerning collector.

Provenance:
Procured by a Middle Eastern collector, Khalid Al-Sultan, from an esteemed antique connoisseur in Istanbul in 2014. A soft copy of the digital copy of Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided, underscoring its origin and esteemed lineage.

Auctioneer's Comment:
We invite you to take part in a seamless auction experience with us. Upon winning a lot, you can rely on our team to facilitate the entire process. We arrange for your item to be carefully packaged and shipped via DHL, offering global reach from Asia. Keep in mind, DHL's minimum shipping charge is $40, based on parcel size and weight. Consolidating multiple auction wins into a single parcel is savvy, as we present nearly 1250 lots for bidding. Invoices are issued within 8 hours post-auction, with shipping fees not including insurance. To ensure peace of mind, we recommend adding shipping insurance before finalizing the checkout, as we are not liable for damage in transit without it.

Thousand Planet Auction House
Important Notice: Antique Item Examination & Terms

1. Ownership: Thousand Planet Auction House acts as an intermediary and does not own any auction lots. All lots are property of pawnshops, estate companies, or consigned from various consignors.

2. "As Is" Sale: All lots are sold "as is" without warranties or guarantees, either express or implied. Descriptions are for guidance only and should not be considered comprehensive or definitive. We encourage bidders to perform their own inspections and research.

3. Auction Format: Our auction house employs the Timed Auction format without internet competing bids, and there are no reserve prices set. Each lot beckons with its unique starting price, reflecting our commitment to total transparency. Starts with a minimal opening price, which is typically lower than the actual market selling price. The estimated value range provided (min-max) for each auction lot reflects the approximate retail market value of the item.

4. Photo Inspection: Before bidding, carefully inspect the zoomed-in photos provided. These images aim to detail the item's condition, authenticity, and features, enabling bidders to judge the age themselves.

5. Clarifications: Seek clarity on any doubts about an item's age or authenticity before bidding. Our team is available to provide needed information.

6. Post-Bid Concerns: Address concerns about authenticity or age before bidding. Once the auction concludes, claims stating that the item isn't antique will not be entertained. Resolve all doubts prior to auction participation.

7. Avoid Misrepresentation: Claims asserting an item's age or authenticity without evidence are invalid. If you cannot discern age from detailed photos, making age-based claims from plain sight is unreasonable.

8. Bid Responsibly: New collectors or those unfamiliar with antiques should ensure they possess the requisite knowledge before participating. Avoid causing issues based on misinformation or limited knowledge.

9. Feedback Threats: Bidders should refrain from threatening feedback or demanding refunds. Making purchasing decisions based on your knowledge is paramount, as no one is forced to bid. New accounts often pose challenges, bringing habits from other platforms. Auctions differ from regular e-commerce; let's keep the experience positive for everyone.

10. Fairness & Transparency: We facilitate transparent transactions, working as a neutral third party. We organize auctions, provide detailed photos, and assist consignors with shipping. All items are sold following the "As Is" concept: what you see is what you receive. Bidders should be familiar with assessing an item's patina for age verification.

11. No Returns/Exchanges: All sales are final. Refunds in exceptional cases won't include DHL shipping charges.

12. Payment & Late Fees: Pay winning bids within 3 days of auction end. Delays may cancel your wins and impact future participation.

13. DHL Shipping: Minimum shipping cost starts at $40 regardless of size or destination. Combine multiple wins to save on shipping. Buyers bear any taxes or customs duties. There's no default insurance; request quotes based on parcel value.

14. Bidder Agreement: Bidding forms a contract. By placing a bid, you confirm understanding and agreement to these terms. Auctions aren't like regular e-commerce. Ensure informed decisions and self-reliance. Bid based on provided photos and descriptions.

Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Terms
1. Basis: COAs are issued based on consignor information, not independent auctioneer verification.
2. No Warranty: The auctioneer provides no warranties about the COA's accuracy, validity, or completeness.
3. Limitation of Liability: The auctioneer isn't liable for any COA errors or omissions. Any damages arising from COA use fall outside our responsibility.
4. Indemnification: Bidders agree to shield the auctioneer from any claims related to the COA or item.
5. Governing Law: These terms are governed by laws of the auctioneer's jurisdiction, not the USA. Disputes will be settled in the auctioneer's local courts.

Acceptance: Bidding indicates agreement to all above terms and conditions across 19 sections