Northern Africa / Near East / Central Asia, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A beautiful Mediterranean coral and jadeite bead necklace, comprised of several strands with lightly polished branch coral hat coalesce at the center with spherical coral and jadeite. Strung on wires with a brass S clasp, this is a wearable piece in excellent condition. Coral has been revered by many cultures for its seemingly magical properties - growing like an underwater plant but seemingly made of stone. This red variety of coral often traveled from the Mediterranean east overland via the Silk Road or by sea from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. Naturally these trade routes created cross cultural use of coral and jadeite between Africa, the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, and Central Asia. It is possible this necklace is a composite of beads from these regions and strung in the 20th century; an outstanding piece of jewelry! Size of strand: 17" L (43.2 cm); largest bead: 1" L x 1" W (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm); weight: 176.7 grams

Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection; ex-Dianne Komminsk collection, Dayton, Ohio, USA

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#177513

Beads are antique / vintage and strung in more recent times on modern wire. Nicks and chips to coral. Areas of natural black striations. Age related wear to spherical jadeite beads. Great condition and wearable!