15th Century and Earlier Beaded Necklaces

This a unique opportunity to buy an extremely rare and strikingly unusual antique necklace, a fine example of Egyptian Revival jewelry composed of 14 genuine ca.1786 -1567 BC ancient Hyksos Egyptian / Middle Eastern Soapstone or Steatite Scarabs assembled /swivel set into solid 18K Yellow Gold frame between ca. 1800s- 1850s somewhere in Europe. All scarabs can be rotated around the axes. Each golden bezel was individually made to fit the specific dimensions of each beetle. The V-lock part and the security chain are made of Silver. The length of the necklace is 37.5 cm / it's a chocker. To make it longer you will need to replace or extend the existing 18K Gold chains for longer ones. Weight of the piece: 51 grams / of which about a half is a weight of 18K Gold metal parts. Condition is fine used / as found - I didn't try to clean it. It seems that the scarabs are covered with tinted beeswax-like substance. All parts are securely set /attached to each- other. Ready to be used again. Most of these or likely all of these beetles date approximately to the period called the Second Intermediate Period of Egypt ca.1650 -1550 BC when Ancient Egypt fell into disarray for a second time, between the end of the Middle Kingdom and the start of the New Kingdom. It is best known as the period when the Hyksos made their appearance in Egypt and whose reign comprised the Fifteenth dynasty. These scarabs are Made of Steatite - a very unusual natural mineral that initially is rather soft ( Mohs hardness 1 ) and easy to carve on but it undergoes transformations when heated to temperatures of 1000–1200 °C turning into Enstatite and Cristobalite; in the Mohs scale, this corresponds to an increase in hardness from initial Mohs hardness 1 > to Mohs hardness level 5.5–6.5 and that makes it a very suitable material for making jewelry like these scarabs. This future of Steatite was known to ancients and they used this material in its initial naturally softer state to carve and shape the way they wanted to and would burn it in the oven when ready making it much harder. The scarabs would often undergo second heating to apply enamels of various colors or were painted with certain long-lasting natural dies - some beetles show reddish glaze or paint still present (note N. 9 and 10) , and two are black colored (N.3 and 11). Once these scarabs were a common form of "charm" which everyone could afford and easily wear strung on a cord on their person. Most scarabs were made for the living, both rich and the poor. The small magical object was believed imbued with particular protective powers that warded off evil and provided good things for the owner for this life and also for the next, particularly when sewn to mummy wrappings. All scarabs in this set are one-of-a-kind genuine ancient pieces. All bottoms are flat and demonstrate the decorations - cartouches typical for Egyptian iconography that demonstrate the extraordinary skills of ancient carvers. N1 : 15mm long,top part grinned off and mounted into the golden lock casing, showing great detailed carving of a goat or an antelope - very common Hyksos design. N2 : 14 mm long, carved design of a hawk and two uraeii /cobras N3 : 13 mm long, two "ankh" hieroglyphics representing life and swirled decor in the center, very typical Hyksos design N4 : 16 mm long, carved design of a Goddess, likely Anubis, and a figure of a Dead in front of him. N5 : 16 mm long, 11 deep-groove concentric circles with remnants of dark-colored enamel still visible, very typical Hyksos design N6 : 18.5 mm long with the body of the scarab nicely carved and engraved with spiral scrolls, a very typical Hyksos design. N7 : 22 mm long, three figures, one knelled N8 : 18 mm long, a figure of a sitting pharaoh N9 : 18 mm long, two "ankh" hieroglyphics representing life with probably the name of a pharaoh in between. N10 : 18 mm long, body of the scarab nicely carved, cross-seal design on the other side. N11 : 16 mm long, black, unknown design N12 : 15 mm long. Very unusual piece I could not find any reference to any similar - there are three small scarabs in the shape of one (Egyptians divided...

From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. Excellent color and transparency! Supe...

Ancient amulet necklace composed of twenty one well matched graduated banded agate biconical beads measuring 32mm to 17mm and 22 carnelian beads approximately 5mm in diameter. The agates of exceptional figure showing "eye" formations which were used as protective talismans, with natural inclusions, minor abraisions consistent with age, and pitting possibly from use of the mineral content of the stone for medicinal purposes. Modern twist lock. A comparable necklace was sold at Christie's New York Ancient Jewelry...

An extraordinary strand of history, this rare necklace dates back to the Iron Age (10th–8th century BCE) and features ancient Amlash-region hand-carved blue chalcedony beads. The org...

1970's ancient bead necklace by Patti Cadby Birch. The 22k yellow gold fringe necklace with gold and garnet beads on modern coiled wire-work with gol...

Stunning 21-Inch Amethyst Cube Necklace Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite 21-inch necklace that showcases the enchanting shades of amethyst. Crafted with meticulous...

Elegant 19-Inch Green and Blue Kyanite Necklace with Faceted Peridot Accents Add a touch of vibrant sophistication to your winter wardrobe with this s...

This striking and rare Pre-Columbian gold necklace was crafted by the Sinu people of Colombia. The figural beads represent coatimundi, a much adored pet in many Pre-Columbian societi...

Authentic ancient Roman bronze ring artifact and 22k yellow gold cross charm pendant on an ombré red / purple / brown tone Spinel and antique...

Radiate summery elegance with this stunning 23-inch handcrafted necklace, a captivating blend of natural charm and artisan detail. At its heart are creamy white bamboo coral nuggets...

Hand made Coomi Affinity collection necklace set in 20K yellow gold with 398.73cts turquoise, 0.25cts blue sapphire, and 0.95cts diamonds. Necklace measures 18" in length.

An Authentic Greek Silver Hemidrachm Coin from Sikyonia (Sicyon), 360 - 330 BC, set in a 22k Gold Bezel on a 18" Necklace made of Ancient Middle Eastern Glass and Bronze Accent Space...

Rare large scale ancient Roman rock crystal and carnelian bead necklace, approximately 2000 years old, composed of twenty five elongated oval rock c...

Pre-Columbian, Northern Colombia, Tairona culture, circa 800 to 1500 CE. A wonderful necklace of wearable form constructed with dozens of hand-carved carnelian beads. Dozens of addit...

YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Golden metal necklace with orange and green rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: from 46 cm ...

Ancient Roman bronze key (3rd-4th century AD) and 22k yellow gold pendant on a coral and 18k yellow gold beaded necklace. Necklace is 17 inches in length and finished with an 18k gold lobster clasp. One-of-a-kind pendant necklace has a rich color combination, and features a rare and unique historical...

Authentic ancient stamped Roman glass and authentic ancient Roman bronze key 22k yellow gold dangle pendant on a faceted Garnet beaded necklace with two accent, hammered 22k gold bea...

24K Gold Trojan Inspired Evil Eye Beaded Necklace The Gold accents on the necklace are inspired by Ancient Trojan Era The Eyes are produced from the base mate...

A remarkable necklace comprised of ancient green glass and yellow gold beads from an archaeological find.