Ancient Tabular Carnelian Beads, Barrel Shaped Lapis Lazuli, Fine Silver Beads

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Ancient Tabular Carnelian Beads, Barrel Shaped Lapis Lazuli, Fine Silver Beads

About the Item

Thirty-one tabular carnelian beads alternating with thirty-two barrel shaped lapis lazuli beads. There are sixty-two silver ring beads in the necklace; they occupy the spaces between each of the stones beads. Each is composed of five granules fused into a pentagonal arrangement. A custom made silver clasp finishes the necklace. The beads graduate in size from the front to the back of the necklace. The largest tabular carnelian bead is 9 mm in diameter and 3.7 mm in thickness. The drill hole diameter is 1.5 mm. The smallest of the carnelian beads is 5 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in thickness. The lapis lazuli beads are short barrel shaped beads that graduate in size. The largest is 5.9 mm in length, 4 mm in width and has a drill hole diameter of 1.2 mm. The smallest lapis bead at the back of the necklace is 4.9 mm in length, 3.8 mm in width. The carnelian beads have a very slightly rounded face and the drill holes can be clearly seen through the transparent material. The holes have been drilled from each end. They do not meet in the center. The reason for this is that if one were to drill all the way through, it is very likely that at the very end the pressure of the bit would pop out the thin remainder. This would result in a ragged hole, so to prevent this from happening, the last part is drilled out from the other side. These technical details, (such as the size of the drill hole which tells us what kind of bits were used) allow us to confidently date the beads to two thousand years ago. The area of India that is now Gujarat has been the source of carnelian and the making of carnelian beads since the Bronze Age. The Indus Valley civilization four thousand years ago developed the technology for the production of very finely made carnelian beads. The Sumerians were their trading partners and at some point imported not only the beads but the craftsmen themselves to produce these highly prized beads. They also imported the lapis lazuli beads. The ancient Mesopotamian people, the Sumerians, the Akkadians, and later the Babylonians and the Assyrians all highly valued lapis lazuli and carnelian beads. In combining these in one necklace, we are following the ancient tradition. The silver beads and hook and eye clasp are Fine silver and have been custom made for this necklace. The necklace is 19 inches (48.26 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 18 gm.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
Silver
Stone:
Carnelian,Lapis Lazuli
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
18 g
Dimensions:
Length: 19.01 in (482.6 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 silverwork is modern and was done by our expert gold/silversmith, Michael Winsten, to enhance the beauty of the ancient beads.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425216400552