Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A fine necklace of wearable form that is constructed with 6 petite turquoise beads as well as 30 spherical beads and 5 conical spire mollusk shell beads made from 55.56% to 79% gold. Each of the spheres is of a hollow form with lustrous surfaces and visible seams, and the shell beads feature spiraling designs with miniscule nodules protruding along the exterior surfaces; each is hollow on the inside as well. The beads were pierced in antiquity and are strung on this attractive and minimalist necklace strand for wearability. Size (necklace): 16" L (40.6 cm); (largest gold shell bead): 0.43" W x 0.57" H (1.1 cm x 1.4 cm); gold quality: 55.56% to 79% (equivalent to 12K+ to 18K+)

Provenance: ex-Renton, Washington, USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-Willis F. Woods family collection, former director at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Executive Director at the Seattle Art Museum (1974 - 1979)

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#169571

Wearable as shown and strung in modern times. Turquoise and gold beads are ancient; stringing and loop/clasp are modern. Minor abrasions and nicks to some beads, with light tarnishing to some gold beads, and softening to some finer details on some gold shell beads. Great patina throughout. Beads cannot be weighed properly without dismantling the entire composition.