{"title":"Statement Pieces","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"mj002","title":"A rare middle Assyrian Bull Pendant, ca. 16th - 10th century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003epossibly from Ashur, a superbly carved and detailed bull-calf of mottled red-brown agate with high karat gold wire and turned around the body.  \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e For a very similar example and discussion see:  Maxwell-Hyslop, K.R. \"Western Asiatic Jewellery\" (1971) page 177 ill. 111 \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Intact and in excellent condition.  Museum quality, a rare and exceptional example.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eDimensions\u003c\/b\u003e:  Length:  1.5cm  (5\/8\")  Height:  1.5 cm (5\/8 inch)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Vernon Pick private collection, acquired in the late 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vernon Pick","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32624834707527,"sku":"MJ002","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ002_6.jpg?v=1607273238"},{"product_id":"rj1303","title":"A Roman Intaglio of an Equestrian Warrior, ca 1st century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful intaglio is carved in a piece of bright blue and green striped mosaic glass, formed by laminating individual pieces in separate colors under great heat which causes them to fuse together.  On its surface, a horse and mounted warrior have been carved in great detail; the bearded warrior is fully armed - wearing a large crested helmet, breastplate, a great shield on his back, he holds the reigns of his horse in his left hand.  This superb intaglio was set as a ring in 1989 and is itself a striking example of wearable art.    Cast in rich 22K gold, the oval bezel joins a separately made hoop inlaid with braided wire filigree of platinum and gold, of a style typical of Roman rings during the late Byzantine period.  The interior of the shank is inscribed:  c1989 Ariadne 22KT, Tim Koheki 1-29.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMosaic glass objects were manufactured using a laborious and time-consuming technique. Multicolored canes of mosaic glass were created, then stretched to shrink the patterns and either cut across into small, circular pieces or lengthwise into strips. These were placed together to form a flat circle, heated until they fused, and the resulting disk was then sagged over or into a mold to give the object its shape. Almost all cast objects required polishing on their edges and interiors to smooth the imperfections caused by the manufacturing process; the exteriors usually did not require further polishing because the heat of the annealing furnace would create a shiny, \"fire-polished\" surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor related examples of such intaglios see:   Marshall, FH ; \u003cem\u003eCatalogue of the Finger Rings Greek, Etruscan \u0026amp; Roman in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum\u003c\/em\u003e (London, 1907) pl.12, no.396 and Spier, Jeffrey \"\u003cem\u003eAncient Gems and Finger Rings, Catalogue of the Collections, The J. Paul Getty Museum\u003c\/em\u003e\" (California, 1992) p. 145-152.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/strong\u003e  Intact and in excellent condition overall.  A very fine and rare example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e:  \u003cspan\u003eUS ring size 5 1\/2 (UK=L, DE=16, CH=11 3\/4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Acquired Ariadne Gallery, New York  after 1989, thereafter in a private FL collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll photos copyright \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kornbluthphoto.com\/contact.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKornbluth Photography, Maryland\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kodner Galleries Inc, Florida","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":9569993605,"sku":"RJ1303","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/ZRJ1303_8.jpg?v=1581425335"},{"product_id":"gj1902a","title":"A Hellenistic Gold Strap Necklace, ca. 3rd - 2nd century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe strap of this stunning gold necklace is composed of five loop-in-loop chains connected with double cross-linking and terminal caps at each end of the strap. At the bottom edge of the necklace hangs a fringe of beechnut shaped pendants, each with granules at the tips and a miniature columnar base. Rosettes in the form of gentle six-petal flowers add to the floral motif and serve to discreetly mask the point at which each pendant is attached. The caps at either end of the necklace are decorated with a single similar rosette and etched leaves; ringlets curl at the edge of the terminal that meets the strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\nMany hundreds of joining operations were necessary to link the gold in the strap of this necklace together in a remarkable process that involved neither soldering nor melting the delicate gold. The craftsmanship of this piece is superb.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA prevalent style of necklace during the fourth century BC, strap necklaces with a fringe of identical pendants have long been a part of ancient Greek jewelry and can be found depicted on vases of the Hellenistic Period. In fact, this necklace-type has been discovered in many areas of the Greek world, including southern Italy, Asia Minor, and the Northern Pontus region (around the Black Sea). Similar pieces are on display in both The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The British Museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor related examples see: Alexander, Christine. 1928. Jewelry: The Art of the Goldsmith in Classical Times as Illustrated in the Museum Collection. p. 12, fig. 15, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eWilliams, Dyfri and Jack Ogden. 1994. Greek Gold: Jewelry of the Classical World. no. 68, pp. 116-17, New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact and in very good condition overall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length: 39.2 cm (15.4 inches)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ex. private United Kingdom collection acquired in 1933. Ex. private Rotterdam, Netherlands collection, acquired in 1955. Ex. private Amsterdam collection acquired in 1972, and then by descent.  Accompanied by original sale invoices.","brand":"Sands of Time Ancient Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31123370442823,"sku":"GJ1902","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/GJ1902_7ac4c8be-0bec-41b2-8d93-829f106dff91.png?v=1701903062"},{"product_id":"ej2032","title":"An Egyptian Gold and Jasper Ring Bezel, late 18th Dynasty, ca. 1479 - 1295 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Egyptian name for red jasper is \u003cem\u003ekhenmet\u003c\/em\u003e, to delight, linking the positive aspects of red with connotations of energy, dynamism, power, and even life itself.  For the Egyptians, it was the red stone \u003cem\u003epar excellence\u003c\/em\u003e, and this cowrie shaped ring bezel of exceptional red jasper, mounted in high karat gold, is indeed a delight. The stone is softly polished to a fine sheen, the setting constructed from a strip of gold foil wrapped around the sides of the stone and folded over the edges of the bezel's base so the underside could be seen. Soldered at both ends of the terminals are ring discs of gold foil, and originally a gold wire was fed through the bezel, creating a shank for wearing and allowing the bezel to swivel. Here, a modern 18k gold shank has been constructed in keeping with ancient design.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecf: Bulsink, M., Bomhof, P. J., \u0026amp; Kemp, A. . (2015). Egyptian gold jewellery: With a catalogue of the collection of gold objects in the Egyptian Department of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, cat. 127, 128 p. 172\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAndrews, C. (1996). Ancient Egyptian Jewellery. London: Published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press. p. 163-165.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: The jasper inlay and original gold bezel are intact, there is a small amount of tearing to the sheet gold but overall it is in very good condition for an object of this type and age. The 18K gold shank is modern, of typical ancient design, and in excellent condition. A modern 18K gold thread with rounded knob terminals attaches the shank to the bezel. Overall, the ring presents particularly well and can be adjusted for wearing if required.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: US ring size 8 1\/2 (UK=Q 3\/4\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, DE=18 1\/2, JP=17 )\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: J. Bowman private collection, Boston, MA., acquired in Europe between 1968 - 1972, thereafter private NYC collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32724200947783,"sku":"EJ2032","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EJ2032_4.jpg?v=1607294552"},{"product_id":"mj2124","title":"A large Persian Crescent Shaped Gold Pendant Necklace, Seljuk Period, ca. 11th - 12th century CE","description":"Of crescent form, this spectacular heavyweight hollow gold pendant is decorated on one side with three large filigree round floral elements, four small floral elements, and a triangular design at the center. It is strung as a necklace composed of twenty-eight fine ovoid gold ball beads, each bead decorated with multiple rows of intricate openwork circular decoration. Each gold bead is strung with an alternating smaller orange carnelian round bead. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pendant with mild denting and imperfections (mostly on the reverse), that does not distract from this impressive piece, all beads are intact and in excellent condition overall. With modern restringing, ready to wear. A truly extraordinary necklace! \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length: 28.5 inches (72.3 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eEx. Patti Cadby Birch collection thereafter Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, NYC and then to family by descent.","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39583294554183,"sku":"MJ2124","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ2124_2.jpg?v=1643763955"},{"product_id":"pj2117","title":"A rare set of Chimu Silver Roundel Medallions, Early Intermediate\/Middle Horizon, ca. 500 CE","description":"Silver, associated with the nighttime world of the moon and stars, was also linked with the world of the dead. In the Andean region, the world of the dead was identified with both the ocean and the dark depths of the humid earth. In other words, life began and ended in water. These complex symbolic associations made silver the perfect material for the manufacture of personal adornments with a readily apparent ceremonial and funerary function. Objects made from gold, silver, and copper signified power, as their color, luster, and sound were considered divine. In societies like Chimú, silver was used in the attire of the nobility. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eObjects such as this extraordinary necklace accompanied members of the Chimu aristocracy to their graves and served as an emblem of their status. It comprises a set of fifteen matching silver roundel medallions, depicting a crouching deer deity, wearing a large crescent headdress, each enhanced further by the fine openwork design. Deer were associated with deities, sacrifice, rituals of the hunt, and particularly regeneration of the sun. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e One has a minor edge dent, otherwise all are intact and in excellent condition overall. Double perforations on both sides for stringing.  Restrung and presented on custom mount constructed to museum standards. Rare to find this number of matching examples in such excellent condition.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medallion diameter: 1 1\/2 inches (3.5 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Andre Emmerich Gallery, NYC; Edward Merrin Gallery, Inc., NYC, acquired in the 1970s, thereafter private NYC collection.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndré Emmerich (1924 – 2007) was a German-born American gallerist who specialized in the color field school and pre-Columbian art while also taking on artists such as David Hockney and John D. Graham. After graduating from Oberlin College and working as a writer, he opened his gallery in 1954, specializing in leading artists working in a wide variety of styles including Abstract Expressionism, Op Art, Color field painting, Hard-edge painting, Lyrical Abstraction, Minimal Art, Pop Art and Realism, among other movements. He also specialized in and organized important exhibitions of pre-Columbian art, writing two acclaimed books, \"Art Before Columbus\" (1963) and \"Sweat of the Sun and Tears of the Moon: Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art\" (1965).","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39619671916615,"sku":"PJ2117","price":17500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/PJ2117_3.jpg?v=1648832750"},{"product_id":"a-superb-moche-chimu-silvered-pectoral-ca-800-1250-ce","title":"A superb Moche-Chimu Silvered Pectoral, ca. 800 - 1250 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eFinely wrought pectorals (chest ornaments) have been excavated at Chimu sites, and Moche ceramic vessels depict dignitaries wearing such collars.  This superb example comprises thirteen large silvered-copper pendants of long tapered forms, each decorated with a repousse head of a chief wearing earspools and a large crescent-form headdress.  Every one of the matching pendants is perforated through the top and bottom edges for suspension. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pectoral’s bimetallic composition bears testament to the metallurgical and mechanical achievements of the Chimu artists.  Joining silver to copper required expert knowledge of alloys, melting temperatures, welding techniques, and specialized construction methods.  In nature, silver is not easily found in its pure metallic state, so great skill and technical knowledge is required for its processing.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIn Andean cosmology, gold and silver were considered to be divine so such a collar would have underscored the wearer’s control over resources, from the imported materials to the labor needed to create this fine work, and featured, no doubt, as part of the attire for an ancient Peruvian leader.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Eight have minor imperfections, five with larger losses that do not detract. Overall, the pectoral is in very good condition and presented on an outstanding museum quality custom mount.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each pendant length: 4 inches (10.16 cm), Width: 1 5\/8 inches at the widest point (4.12 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edward H. Merrin Gallery Inc., NYC., acquired from Andre Emmerich, NYC, 1960s - 1970s.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndre Emmerich (1924 – 2007) was a German-born American gallerist who specialized in the color field school and pre-Columbian art while also taking on artists such as David Hockney and John D. Graham. After graduating from Oberlin College and working as a writer, he opened his gallery in 1954, specializing in leading artists working in a wide variety of styles including Abstract Expressionism, Op Art, Color field painting, Hard-edge painting, Lyrical Abstraction, Minimal Art, Pop Art and Realism, among other movements. He also specialized in and organized important exhibitions of pre-Columbian art, writing two acclaimed books, \"Art Before Columbus\" (1963) and \"Sweat of the Sun and Tears of the Moon: Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art\" (1965).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43734323200303,"sku":"PJ2116","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/PJ2116.jpg?v=1668006585"},{"product_id":"a-large-sinu-gold-collar-necklace-ca-500-1000-ce","title":"A Superb Sinu Gold Pectoral Necklace, ca. 500 - 1000 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003ePectorals represent a monumental expression of Sinú art and a fundamental component of the ceremonial assemblage displayed by elite men and women. Important Sinu people bedecked themselves in assemblages of gold for adornment and to display insignia - both living and dead, regardless of gender. Gold was intended to project their divine ancestry, elite status, power, and wealth, in this world and the afterlife.  Being richly attired in gold, a material of spiritual essence and efficacy was a vehicle for metaphysical transformation and shamanic metamorphosis.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exquisite kidney-shaped pectoral, made of cast gold that was subsequently hammered and burnished to produce a smooth surface, is a superlative illustration of the workings of artistic ingenuity within traditional Sinú formats. The adornment has two small holes on either side for threading a cord or necklace. In Sinú burial contexts, pectorals are frequently found laid over the body of the deceased rather than draped around the neck. Displaying remarkable solidity and heaviness, it features a lustrous satin finish, which was achieved by applying plant acids to the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ecf: Bernstein, David. The Golden Treasure of the Sinu: Goldwork from Ancient Colombia (p. 13). Kindle Edition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Intact and in excellent condition overall, presented on museum-quality custom mount.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Width: 9 inches (22.86 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private NYC collection, acquired 1950s-1980s, collection # FM776, 50.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44097112932655,"sku":"PJ2102","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/PJ2102.jpg?v=1669645693"},{"product_id":"an-important-persian-eye-agate-pectoral-parthian-period-ca-1st-century-bce-1st-century-ce","title":"An Important Persian Eye Agate Pectoral, Parthian Period, ca. 1st century BCE - 1st century CE","description":"This exceptional pectoral was most probably worn directly on the chest to display the power, wealth, and divinity of its ancient owner. Indicating high social status, it well demonstrates the sophisticated skill of artisans within the cosmopolitan Parthian empire. Of rounded form, the pectoral features a prominent central eye agate, imbued, it was believed, with protective powers to ward off the evil eye and shield the wearer from illness and death. This agate has been carefully drilled across the center, and a small gold pin intricately runs the length of the stone in order to set it within a heavy, high-karat gold bezel. The bezel is finely edged with granulation, and embellished with five cabochon teardrop garnets, five cabochon rounded garnets, and one red glass cabochon, the latter no doubt a replacement in ancient times, for a lost garnet. Skillfully arranged between these gemstones are eleven raised gold bosses, all with granulation at the base. There are two suspension loops at the back for attachment.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe form of the pectoral and the method of inlaying are characteristic of Parthian jewelry, with such objects usually dating between the 1st and 3rd centuries. For a less elaborate example set as part of a necklace, see British Museum, object #W_1965-0215-1, https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/W_1965-0215-1. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe pectoral is intact and in excellent condition overall.  One of the garnet inlays replaced with glass in antiquity, and two small chips to the central agate professionally restored.  A large, unique and truly stunning example.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Length: 2 3\/4 inches (7.2 cm), Width: 2 5\/8 inches (6.6 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Australian collection acquired from the London trade in the early 1960s, thence by descent, thereafter private Virginia collection.","brand":"Peter Lane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44436660683055,"sku":"MJ2005","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ2005.jpg?v=1675631228"},{"product_id":"an-exhibited-egyptian-faience-broad-collar-necklace-late-old-kingdom-ca-2345-2181-bce","title":"An Exhibited Egyptian Faience Broad Collar Necklace, Late Old Kingdom, ca. 2345–2181 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe most frequently represented item of jewelry throughout Egyptian history was the broad or \u003cem\u003eweskhet\u003c\/em\u003e collar, worn by both genders as well as anthropomorphic deities.   At Giza alone, George Reisner found nineteen such collars in tombs of both men and women. In addition, brightly painted broad collars are represented on statuary and reliefs of deities, royalty, and wealthy private individuals from the Old Kingdom through Roman times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptionally rare collar consists of three rows of densely spaced cylinder beads ranging from pale cream, green, blue and black glazed faience. Strung in an upright position, they are defined by rows of small ring beads, separated by two horizontal spacer elements that run the length of the necklace.  Completing the collar is a bottom row of glazed faience beetle-shaped pendants; individual examples of these beads are very rare and sets from the same collar are quite unique.  Two original end-piece terminals of triangular shape have holes to accommodate the bead rows and a hole at the point allowing the collar to be threaded for tying around the neck.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibited:  \u003c\/strong\u003eJewels of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Treasures from the Worcester Art Museum, June 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 9 inches, (22.8 cm) Width: 11.5 inches (29 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e  Outer hole cracked and small loss to adjoining tip on both terminals, the beads are all intact and restrung using conservation quality thread.  All components of this necklace are original, there are no reproduction elements.  An exceptionally rare and superb example!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003e  Old NY collection, thereafter private Swedish collection from mid-1990s, also Ernest Freemark collection, acquired 1913 - 1915 thereafter R. Knickerbocker collection, NY, and by descent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lauritz Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45043287261487,"sku":"EJ1610","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EJ1610-A_f1984ae4-b989-4905-a9ec-b6161133a53b.jpg?v=1683608874"},{"product_id":"ej2130","title":"A published Group of Millefiori, Mosaic and Eye Glass Beads, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE\/CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis stunning necklace features eight distinct multicolor glass millefiori cylindrical beads, each adorned with various stylized floral motifs and solid color borders. These beads are enhanced by ovoid glass eye beads, along with antique 18K gold spacer beads in the Etruscan style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c\/strong\u003e: \"Millefiori,\" which translates to \"a thousand flowers\" in Italian, refers to a popular floral design pattern. Millefiori beads, a type of mosaic glass, were created in ancient times by placing numerous sections of patterned glass canes in close proximity to each other and then heating them to fuse together. The resulting pad of millefiori glass was then rolled upon itself and shaped into a bead. When Italian artisans reinvented millefiori glass, they typically applied cane pieces to a separate base, often the bead's core, and fused the components together. This technique is how ancient millefiori beads can be distinguished from more modern variations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTubular beads published: I. Grimm-Stadelmann (ed.), Aesthetic Glimpses, Masterpieces of Ancient Egyptian Art, The Resandro Collection, Munich, 2012, p. 239, no. R-789. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Glass, gold\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Length: 18 inches (45.7 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e  One tubular glass bead has been repaired from two original pieces with some loss along the break line, the balance are intact and in excellent condition overall.  Restrung with Etruscan-style antique spacers of 18K gold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e  Tubular beads: The Alfred Wolkenberg Collection of Ancient Glass, Christies, London, 9 July 1991, lot 130, thereafter Resandro collection, Germany, acquired from the above sale, thereafter Christies, London, 12\/5\/2017, sale 14231, lot # 110.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50736296657199,"sku":"EJ2130","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EJ2130_11.jpg?v=1732308827"},{"product_id":"mj2509","title":"A Neo-Babylonian Lapis, Carnelian, and Gold Necklace, Neo Babylonian Period, ca. 626 - 539 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis finely strung necklace consists of alternating faceted beads of vivid blue lapis lazuli and rich reddish-orange carnelian, interspersed with ribbed gold spacer beads, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The centerpiece is a larger gold bead of cylindrical form, in repoussé, adorned with linear decorative elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe symmetry and materials suggest ceremonial or elite status, as lapis and carnelian were both regarded as protective and sacred stones in ancient Babylonian culture. The use of gold spacer beads adds both elegance and status, indicating a high-ranking owner or votive offering. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Lapis, carnelian, gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Necklace length: 25 inches (63.5 cm). Drop length: 12 1\/2 inches (31.75 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e The beads are all intact and in excellent condition. The necklace has been restrung recently with a modern 18K yellow gold clasp. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Private New York collection, acquired from the NY trade in the early 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freemans Hindman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51267633676591,"sku":"MJ2509","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/a3a482f7519ec4201b75cccf6738aab3.jpg?v=1745632195"},{"product_id":"gj2503","title":"A Hellenistic Gold Crescent Pendant and Chain, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd - 1st century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional gold pendant takes the form of a stylized crescent, intricately crafted from sheet gold and adorned with fine wire and granulation work. A central architectural motif, likely a temple façade, is flanked on either side by pairings of confronting bulls, symbols of fertility, strength, and protection in ancient iconography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt either end of the crescent sit small rosettes, symbolic of divine light or celestial harmony. A third rosette is featured at the apex, anchoring the suspension loop, which connects to a beautifully preserved ancient loop-in-loop gold chain necklet with figure-8 links. A delicate, tapered gold drop hangs independently from the center of the crescent, adding movement and visual emphasis to the central temple scene. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of sacred architectural imagery, protective animals, and symbolic form strongly suggests this was a ritual or status ornament, likely worn by a woman of significant cultural or religious standing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe preservation of both pendant and ancient chain is rare. Comparable crescent-shaped pendants with architectural and zoomorphic motifs have been featured in collections at the British Museum and the Ashmolean, often without a chain. The complexity of the iconography and condition elevate the piece’s historical and market value significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Pendant height: 1 inch (2.5 cm), Width: 1 1\/8 inches (2.85 cm). Chain length:  20 3\/4 inches (52.71 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e The pendant is overall intact and in excellent condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Private collection, New Jersey, formed in the 1970s - 2000s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freemans Hindman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51267708191023,"sku":"GJ2503","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/d42e9c334a0cf030aee5beda20905652.jpg?v=1745640659"},{"product_id":"rj2506","title":"A large Byzantine Gold Ring with intaglio, Byzantine Empire, ca. 4th century CE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis wide and intricately designed ring is a handsome example of high-status Byzantine jewelry. Crafted from high-karat gold, it features a small, hexagonal bezel set with a fine amethyst intaglio depicting a bearded satyr. The satyr is shown kneeling in profile and grasping a cornucopia, a classical symbol of abundance and fecundity. The bezel is accentuated by a rope-pattern border and enhanced with gold granulation at the six hexagonal points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe broad shoulders of the ring are richly adorned with elaborate scrollwork and stylized floral motifs, which extend around the shank, reflecting the ornate Byzantine aesthetic that emphasizes status through size, intricacy, and luminous materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe ring showcases classic characteristics of early Byzantine courtly fashion with its large scale, fine gold construction, and prominently placed amethyst gemstone, enhancing its visual complexity. Amethyst was highly prized in the Byzantine world for its rich color and symbolic resonance. Associated with spiritual clarity, temperance, and protection, the stone was believed to guard against intoxication and promote virtue. Its presence in this ring would have conveyed the wearer’s elevated status as well as aspirational qualities of moral discipline and divine favor. The interior of the bezel is plain and functional, typical for rings worn daily by aristocrats or clergy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eByzantine jewelry, especially from the early medieval period, blends Roman classical traditions and Eastern Christian symbolism. Rings like this were not only decorative but also indicators of status, wealth, and, at times, official or ecclesiastical rank. The deliberate use of high-karat gold reflects Byzantine society's strong association of gold with imperial authority and divine favor. The amethyst intaglio showcases Greco-Roman influence and was a popular material in Byzantine gem carving due to its availability, symbolic connections to vitality and protection, and deep, vivid color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUnlike many rings adorned with inscriptions or enamel, this piece relies solely on exquisite metalwork and gemstones to convey prestige. While silver, bronze, and enamel were commonly used in jewelry for the general population, complex gold rings were reserved for the elite. The decorative details and the imagery in the gemstone suggest that this ring belonged to someone of considerable wealth and cultural sophistication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Gold, amethyst\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e US ring size: 9 3\/4 (UK: T; Europe: 61; Japan: 19) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e The ring is intact and in excellent condition overall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/b\u003ePrivate NY collection, acquired from the trade in the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stephanie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51350520529199,"sku":"RJ2506","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/RJ2506.jpg?v=1747927396"},{"product_id":"mj2529","title":"A Western Asiatic Agate and Gold Bead Necklace, ca. 78 - 20 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis superb necklace is comprised of seven banded barrel-shaped agate beads along with two carnelian barrel beads graduating in size, and interspersed with high-karat gold biconical and small carnelian spacer beads. A truly exquisite necklace that showcases the mastery of ancient workmanship. The process of extraction, transportation, and craftsmanship of these gorgeous hard stones required hours of labor, and such jewelry was therefore reserved for social elites such as the royal family and high-ranking officials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnown as the earths' rainbow, agate was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to ancient Babylon. The ancient Egyptians discovered it in pebble form and used it for protection. During ancient times, agate was used as a talisman to improve attention to detail, increase positivity, bring good luck, and awaken a sense of adventure. It is used to balance emotional, physical and intellectual energy, and harmonize the positive and negative forces of the universe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Agate, carnelian, gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Length: 20 1\/2 inches (52 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Ancient wear to some beads, overall intact and in very good condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e S.B. London private collection, acquired in the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sue Brown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51858188599599,"sku":"MJ2529","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/MJ2529_2.jpg?v=1765080842"},{"product_id":"mj1803","title":"A superb Persian Gold, Garnet, and Crystal Necklace, Achaemenid Period, ca 550 - 300 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis exceptional necklace is composed of ancient gold, garnet, and crystal beads. The warm glow of the hollow gold beads contrasts elegantly with the deep wine-red of the garnets and the soft translucence of the crystal. The gold elements include both ribbed and lenticular forms, their hammered and repoussé surfaces catching the light with subtle shimmer. Garnet beads, some slightly irregular in shape, provide a rich color anchor, while the interspersed crystal beads add a touch of brightness and delicacy to the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eShown in the second photo, the necklace is completed with a late 19th-century custom closure designed in a sympathetic style to complement the ancient beads. Centered with a cabochon garnet framed in gold, it completes the necklace as a wearable jewel while respecting its historic character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNecklaces of this type embody the refinement of Persian craftsmanship and the value placed on precious materials in antiquity. Garnet, with its deep red hue, was treasured across the ancient world as a symbol of vitality and protection, while crystal and gold reflected purity, wealth, and divine favor.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAn unforgettable piece of timeless beauty, blending ancient artistry with elegant presentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ecf:  Dubin, L.S. \"\u003cem\u003eThe History of Beads: from 10,000BC to Present\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: All beads remain intact and in very good condition for their age and type. The necklace has been restrung for modern wear, creating a truly lovely and well-preserved example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Necklace length: 18 inches (45.72 cm) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Acquired in Jerusalem in the 1960s, thereafter in a private NY family collection, thence by descent. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dealer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51886876983599,"sku":"MJ1803","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/MJ1803_3.jpg?v=1759155075"},{"product_id":"ej2522","title":"An Egyptian Carnelian Poppy Bead Necklace, 18th Dynasty, Amarna Period, ca.  1364 - 1347 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis elegant necklace features a stunning combination of gold barrel beads and semi-transparent carnelian poppy beads. The design consists of ten bright carnelian poppy beads, hand-carved with intricate detail, interspersed with 26 tiny gold barrel beads and delicate carnelian spacer beads. Floral bead types, particularly depicting poppies and cornflowers, were among the most popular designs in New Kingdom Egypt, often found in single-strand necklaces as well as in broad collars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe floral motifs became especially prominent after the reign of Hatshepsut, symbolizing both beauty and spiritual significance. This necklace is a beautiful example of such floral beadwork, showcasing the elegance of the Amarna Period's style. The carnelian poppy beads represent a staple of Egyptian gardens, where poppies were used to create fresh bouquets for shrines and floral broad collars. These flowers were carved from carnelian, a stone believed to possess magical properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Egyptians valued carnelian for its ability to promote smooth blood circulation, youthful skin, and protection from evil. Additionally, the stone's red and orange hues were thought to bring balance, peace, and a calming effect, helping the wearer remain peaceful and slow to anger. The necklace represents a rare example of a gold and carnelian combination, combining the sacred and the decorative. The use of gold as a material further enhances the necklace's luxury and significance, making it a valuable piece both in terms of artistic achievement and spiritual symbolism. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Gold, Carnelian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Length: 17 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e  The necklace has been restrung for safety and modern wear.  There is a small chip to one of the poppy beads that does not detract. Otherwise, the necklace is intact and in excellent condition overall. A superb example. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Private collection of Lady Gloria Dale (1922 - 2013), a British artist and crafts patron, known for her award-winning hand-tufted rugs and her collection of antique beads from the Middle East. She designed jewelry using these ancient beads and later donated a significant portion of her collection to the British Museum.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Theodore Bruce Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51887409758511,"sku":"EJ2522","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/70d03069700d78e4ba6feee066759071.jpg?v=1759161111"},{"product_id":"gj2516","title":"A superb Greek Gold and Agate Pendant, Hellenistic Period, 3rd - 1st century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking pendant showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Hellenistic jewelry. It features a hand-polished agate stone encased in intricate gold latticework. The fluid gold design is reminiscent of ancient Mediterranean artistry, displaying fine wirework that delicately drapes over the agate's rich red, brown, and white banding in an almost organic fashion. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe agate itself is smoothly polished, highlighting the natural swirls and patterns within the stone, a hallmark of ancient craftsmanship. The openwork gold setting is particularly intricate, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to jewelry design. This pendant, likely worn as an amuletic adornment, reflects the fusion of natural materials and refined artistry that characterizes much of ancient Mediterranean jewelry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pendant is suspended from a modern 20-inch 24K gold rope chain, offering a contemporary twist that enhances its elegance and wearability while conserving the ancient beauty of the piece. The seamless blend of ancient craftsmanship with modern luxury makes this necklace an exceptional piece that connects the past with the present. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Pendant length: 1 inch (2.54 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/b\u003eIntact and in excellent condition overall.  A superb example!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Private New Jersey collection, formed in the 1970s - 2000s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freemans Hindman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52007106609455,"sku":"GJ2516","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/a215710f2b8de27791970558e4f73e7b.jpg?v=1762889946"},{"product_id":"gj2512","title":"A Greco-Roman Gold and Lapis Lazuli Necklace, ca. 1st century BCE – 2nd century CE","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"986\" data-start=\"309\"\u003eThis refined collar necklace reflects the distinctive elegance of jewelry created across the ancient Mediterranean during the late Hellenistic and early Roman periods. The piece is composed of two coordinated strands of elongated gold tube beads and small round lapis lazuli beads, arranged to sit closely and comfortably along the neckline. Five hollow-form botanical pendants, worked in high-karat gold, form the focal points of the design. Their softly modeled shapes and incised surface lines evoke stylized seedpods or floral buds, motifs that were closely associated with themes of renewal, fertility, and prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1509\" data-start=\"988\"\u003eEach pendant illustrates the technical skill of Greco-Roman goldsmiths. The forms were cut from thin sheet gold, then pressed or shaped over a mold to establish the primary contours and decorative ridges. A flat backing of sheet gold was added and carefully joined at the edges, creating a light yet structurally sound element ideal for suspended jewelry. The resulting pendants show subtle variations in surface detail that indicate their hand-formed origins and the intimate scale on which the ancient craftsmen worked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1863\" data-start=\"1511\"\u003eThe lapis lazuli beads provide a vivid contrast. Their deep blue tone, valued since antiquity and imported through long-distance trade from the mines of Afghanistan, was emblematic of status and refinement. The pairing of these saturated blue stones with warm gold was favored in the Greco-Roman world for its visual richness and symbolic resonance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2294\" data-start=\"1865\"\u003eWhen worn, the necklace creates a graceful, symmetrical drape with a slight graduated fall toward the central pendant. Surviving examples of this quality are uncommon, and this piece exemplifies the blending of materials, technique, and artistic sensibility that defined luxury adornment in the early imperial era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Gold, lapis lazuli\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e Necklace length: 15 1\/4 inches (38.7 cm), Drop length: 8 inches (20.32 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe necklace has been restrung in modern times for stability and ease of wear. All ancient components, including the gold tubes, lapis beads, and hollow pendants, are intact with light, expected age-related denting and wear. Very good overall condition, with no breaks or losses to the gold elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Private West Coast collection, acquired from the trade in the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sands of Time","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52009745514799,"sku":"GJ2512","price":22500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/GJ2512_b6f1652d-4cf3-4f8d-be77-205a0ce8bae9.jpg?v=1763265489"},{"product_id":"pj2509","title":"A Rare and Exceptional Maya Jade Tubular Bead, Classic Period, ca. 500 - 800 CE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis stunning and large blue-green jade tubular bead stands as a testament to the extraordinary artistry of Classic-period Maya craftsmanship. Elegantly adorned with two sets of double ring-molded reliefs that segment its surface into harmonious divisions, the bead also boasts raised borders at each end, adding to its allure. It is drilled longitudinally for suspension, which signifies it once formed part of an elite necklace or pectoral assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAmong the Maya, jade ornaments were prized more highly than gold.  Its radiant green hue, associated with water, fertility, and life itself, endowed it with cosmological and spiritual significance. The stone was revered as a living entity, capable of holding the essence of breath and vitality. For Maya nobility, jade was not merely ornamental; it embodied the eternal life force, connecting its wearer to the divine and marking their status as living representatives of the gods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe process of carving jade posed a formidable challenge due to its exceptional hardness. Without the aid of metal tools, the Maya ingeniously employed techniques such as pecking, sawing with abrasive sand and cord, and grinding with hard stones or sand. Each piece could take weeks, months, or even years to complete, requiring tremendous time, patience, and skill. This remarkable process underscores the labor-intensive effort that went into creating such an exquisite work of art.  As a bead of this scale required exceptional raw materials and significant labor to produce, the impressive size and sculptural detail of this example strongly suggest that it likely belonged to a person of high status, such as a noble or a member of royalty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo see how such a piece would be worn, see the Maya jade plaque from the British Museum (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/E_Am1938-1021-24\u0026amp;nbsp;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAm1938,1021.24\u003c\/a\u003e), where a dignitary, priest, or ruler is shown wearing a similar long tubular bead pendant as part of his ceremonial regalia.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Jade \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Length: 7 3\/4 inches (19.68 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e The bead is overall intact, with a few spots of minor surface chipping.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe museum-quality custom mount highlights the bead’s dramatic visual presence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e  From the distinguished collection of Justin Kerr and Dicey Taylor, New York City, acquired \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eduring the 1970s and early 1980s. Kerr, celebrated for pioneering rollout photography and for creating the comprehensive Maya Vase Database, assembled many of the finest examples of Classic Maya objects during the 1970s and early 1980s. Taylor, an art historian and curator, worked closely with Kerr in cataloguing and researching the collection, and the couple became well known for their scholarship and connoisseurship in Maya art.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo, New York","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52062030692655,"sku":"PJ2509","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/9a1dd4e066654b49d32c460c183f6ea5.jpg?v=1764306138"},{"product_id":"gj2506","title":"A Greek Gold Filigree Bead, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd - 1st century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis superb gold bead represents the height of Hellenistic jewelry artistry. It is constructed from two expertly formed hemispheres of high-karat gold, joined so cleanly that the seam becomes a decorative axis rather than a structural necessity. Along this central band runs a perfectly aligned row of larger granules, a hallmark of first-rate goldsmithing that both conceals the join and frames the bead’s symmetrical design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach hemisphere is covered in an elaborate tapestry of filigree and granulation. Fine gold wire has been shaped into scrolling tendrils that loop and coil across the surface, enclosing small fields densely carpeted with minute granules. These granule clusters create a subtle play of texture and light, allowing the bead to shimmer even with minimal movement. The scrollwork is laid out in balanced, repeating panels that echo floral and vegetal motifs, a visual language popular across the Mediterranean during the Hellenistic era, when luxury adornment increasingly drew on natural forms and rhythmic patterning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe level of detail suggests production in a specialized workshop, possibly at one of the major centers of Hellenistic goldwork, such as Alexandria, Asia Minor, or the Dodecanese Islands. Beads of this scale and intricacy were often incorporated into necklaces worn by elite women, sometimes alternating with gemstones or suspended as central pendants. Their weight, symmetry, and craftsmanship made them both decorative and symbolic, conveying refinement, wealth, and cultural connection to the broader Greek world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bead is presented on a modern 24K gold chain made in an ancient style, providing an elegant and wearable framing that does not intrude on the integrity of the original object. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Bead width: 3\/4 inch (1.9 cm). Length of chain: 20 ins (60 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e The bead is intact and in excellent condition overall. The granulation and filigree remain sharply defined, with only minor age-appropriate softening to a few granules. No significant losses or restorations observed. It has been modern strung on a 24K gold chain of ancient design. An exceptional piece. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Private NY collection, acquired by the present owner in the 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freemans Hindman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52063307628847,"sku":"GJ2506","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/3bfa6e1bd2da6c3b6967c7fb6593199c.jpg?v=1764318119"},{"product_id":"an-egyptian-carnelian-red-jasper-and-gold-bead-necklace-late-18th-dynasty-ca-1350-1295-bce","title":"An Egyptian Carnelian, Red Jasper and Gold Bead Necklace, late 18th Dynasty, ca. 1350 - 1295 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eMany New Kingdom bead types are based on flowers or their buds. These elements are found in single strands of beads as well as broad collars, although flowers as components of broad collars seem to be most common after Hatshepsut's time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo of the most popular floral beads depict the buds of poppies and of cornflowers, such as this lovely necklace. Hand-carved from carnelian, a stone believed to hold magical powers, or red jasper, a stone considered \u003cem\u003epar excellence \u003c\/em\u003eby the Egyptians,\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003ethese flowers were staples of the Egyptian garden and were used to fashion fresh bouquets for shrines and floral broad collars. This rare gold and carnelian necklace consists of tiny gold beads interspersed with red and orange carnelian poppy beads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe Egyptian name for red jasper is \u003cem\u003ekhenmet\u003c\/em\u003e, to delight, linking the positive aspects of red with connotations of energy, dynamism, power, and even life itself. They believed carnelian was endowed with magical powers; it caused the blood to circulate smoothly throughout the body, made the skin healthy and youthful, and was capable of warding off evil. cf: MMA #40.9.26.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Carnelian, red jasper, gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/b\u003eLength:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e18 inches (45.7 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e  Some beads with minor chipping to the base that does not detract, they are otherwise intact and in excellent condition overall.  The necklace has been recently restrung with a later 18K gold clasp. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Goddard (1869-1925) and Josephine Cook DuBois (1864-1961) Collection USA (part) acquired in Egypt, circa 1901-1907; thence by descent to grandson George DuBois, then passed to his wife Judith on his death; by descent to the present owner.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bonhams","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52133384257839,"sku":"EJ2229","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EJ2229_13.jpg?v=1766010797"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/collections\/MJ2005.jpg?v=1774045971","url":"https:\/\/sandsoftimedc.com\/en-ch\/collections\/statement-pieces.oembed","provider":"Sands of Time Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}