Ancient Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, and Turquoise Disc Beads, 20k Gold Ring Beads

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About the Item

Lapis lazuli cylinder beads alternating with carnelian and turquoise disc beads and faced with granulated 20k gold ring beads. The necklace features a tabular carnelian bead in the center. This bead is 1 cm in length, 9 mm in width at the center and 3.2 mm in thickness. The perforation is 1.2 mm in diameter. It is perfectly flat on its front and back sides with an angled bevel around the edge on each side. It is remarkable for having a diagonal band of clear quartz going across the face with dark red and more opaque carnelian on each end. The photograph clearly shows the edge of the diagonal band on the right. The two very small chips are in the quartz zone in the center. The effect of this is that when one looks through the bead, the center is clear, but when light is transmitted from behind the bead through the transparent center zone, internal refraction from the red ends make the center glow a very bright red. This “magic” bead is the most recent bead in the necklace; it may be something like one thousand years old. The lapis lazuli cylinder beads are a thousand years older, probably two thousand years old. They come from northern Pakistan. Lapis, in the ancient world, was a highly prized material. The longest cylinder is 1.75 cm in length, several are 1.5 cm in length and the smallest are 7 mm in length. They are 3.5 mm - 4 mm in width. The drill hole diameters are 1.4 mm. The oldest beads in the necklace are the small disc beads of carnelian and turquoise. They are 1.2 mm - 1.5 mm in length and 3 mm in width. The perforations are 1.2 mm in diameter. They are four thousand year old beads. The necklace takes its inspiration from the bead jewelry of a contemporaneous culture, the ancient Egyptians. The four colors had symbolic and protective meaning for them: gold was the sun, green was the new growth and regeneration in the spring, red was fire and blue was life giving water. They believed that these attributes were present in the materials of the beads and that wearing them would offer protection and well being. The first function of the jewelry was not mere decoration or a proclamation of status, but a way of aligning oneself with the cosmic forces of the universe. This way of thinking inspired the use of a “magic” bead for the focal point of the necklace. We call it magic because it can be both clear in the center (like ice) and when sunlight shines through it glow a bright red (like fire). More than a mere novel effect, this transformation has symbolic meaning and was certainly an intentional creation and not accidental. Seen in the proper context, the ancient beads reveal a depth of meaning and an expression of their philosophy that can enhance our appreciation of this ancient art form. The necklace has a custom made hook and eye clasp of 20k gold. The necklace is 20 ¼ inches (51.4 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 15.8 grams.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
Gold
Stone:
Carnelian,Lapis Lazuli,Turquoise
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
15.8 g
Dimensions:
Length: 20.24 in (514 mm)
Style:
Artist
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The stone beads used in this piece are all ancient. The goldwork is modern and was done by our expert goldsmith, Michael Winsten, to enhance the beauty of the ancient beads.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425216400702

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