1 of 4

Ancient Etched Carnelian Eye Bead with Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold, Handmade Clasp

$5,000List Price

About the Item

Twenty-seven carnelian beads, nine of which are patterned (commonly called “etched” carnelians), alternating with twenty-eight lapis lazuli beads. Each ancient stone bead is separated by a granulated 22k gold ring bead, fifty-four in all. The beading tips and hook and eye clasp are also handmade from 22k gold. The center bead is a tabular etched carnelian 1.7 cm in width, 6.2 mm in thickness at the center and tapering to 3.6 mm thickness at the edge. The drill hole is 2.5 mm in diameter. The carnelian is translucent so that when held up to the light it can be seen that he drill hole is one continuous drilling, and not two holes drilled from each end that meet in the center of the bead. The pattern comes from heat treating, which is part of the process of “etching” the white line into the face of the bead. This is done by applying a strong alkaline substance (such as natron) mixed with a vegetable gum extracted from plants and then heating the bead until the applied design fuses with the stone matrix of the bead. This process was perfected by the Harrapan civilization over four thousand years ago. There was a second period of production two thousand years ago and later during the Sassanian period in Persia after 525 A.D. This single circle, “eye” bead is typical of the earliest period, from four thousand years ago. The two lozenge shaped tabular carnelian beads are likewise etched with an infinity or “eyeglass” pattern on both sides. These beads are 9 mm and 9.5 mm in height, 5.5 mm and 6 mm in width, and 4 mm in thickness. The drill holes are 1.5 mm in diameter. This pair is typical of the middle period of production. There are an additional six carnelian bicones that are etched with two white bands. One of these is 1 cm in length; the remaining ones are 1.1 cm in length. They are 4 mm, 4.5 mm in width at the centers and 3.2 mm in width at the ends. The drill hole diameters are 1.5 mm in diameter. This type is also typical of the earliest period, but the size of the drill holes suggests these beads are from two thousand years ago, the middle period. The twenty-eight lapis beads that alternate with the carnelians are from 6 mm to 9 mm in length and 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm in width. The ends are slightly rounded. The drill holes are 2.5 mm in diameter. There are an additional eighteen small carnelian beads 3.5 mm in width and 3 mm in length. The drill hole diameters are 2 mm. These beads came from the Swat Valley region of northern Pakistan. Two thousand years ago, this area was part of the trans-Himalayan culture that included influences from ancient India, Persia, Tibet and China through the Silk Road. The necklace is 17 1/8 inches (43.5 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 17.3 grams.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
22k Gold
Stone:
Carnelian,Lapis Lazuli
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
17.3 g
Dimensions:
Length: 17.13 in (435 mm)
Style:
Artist
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. All of the stone beads used in this piece are ancient. The goldwork is modern and was done by our expert goldsmith, Michael Winsten, to enhance the beauty of the ancient beads.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425216448062

20th Century Unknown Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold

22K Gold Lapis Lazuli Ancient Egyptian Faience Figurine

$7,500

Free Shipping

H 1.5 in W 1 in

Ancient Greek Coin Beaded Necklace 22 Carat Yellow Gold and Blue Lapis Lazuli

By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer

Located in Athens, GR

Ancient-style Greek Coin Beaded Necklace in 22 Carat Yellow Gold and Blue Lapis Lazuli with godess Dimitra. A one-of-a-kind classic necklace timeless and authentic a family treasure!...

Category

Early 2000s Greek Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Greek Coin Beaded Necklace 22 Carat Yellow Gold and Blue Lapis Lazuli

$4,203

Free Shipping

7 Eye Ancient Dzi Bead Collar Necklace W Carnelian Beads, Silver Clasp, 18.5"

Located in Milford, DE

Ancient Himalayan 7 Eye Dzi Bead Collar Necklace With Carnelian Beads and Sterling Silver Clasp. A unique, valuable and powerful Protection Amulet from Tibet This necklace features a 7-eye Tibetan Dzi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Tibetan Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Sterling Silver

7 Eye Ancient Dzi Bead Collar Necklace W Carnelian Beads, Silver Clasp, 18.5"

$3,100

Free Shipping

Dm 0.38 in L 18.5 in

Ancient Roman Bronze Ring, 22k Gold and Ombré Spinel Beaded Pendant Necklace

By Vicki Orr Designs

Located in Naples, FL

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

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Classical Roman Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Spinel, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Bronze

Ancient Roman Bronze Ring, 22k Gold and Ombré Spinel Beaded Pendant Necklace

$1,530 Sale Price

23% Off

Free Shipping

L 19.5 in

Large Faceted Ruby Bead Necklace, 22K Gold Clasp

Located in Queens, NY

Large Faceted Ruby Bead Necklace, 22K Yellow Gold Clasp, featuring thirty one fully drilled ruby beads weighing a total of approx. 1680.00 carats, graduated beads measuring approx. 1...

Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Faceted Ruby Bead Necklace, 22K Gold Clasp

$9,100

Free Shipping

W 0.875 in L 16 in

Jean Mahie 22K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Bead Choker Necklace 119 grams

By Jean Mahie

Located in Miami, FL

ean Mahie 22K Yellow Gold & Lapis Lazuli Bead Choker Necklace – 15" This bold vintage choker by Jean Mahie exemplifies the designer’s celebrated fusion of ancient-inspired artistry ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Jean Mahie 22K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Bead Choker Necklace 119 grams

$39,700

Free Shipping

W 0.5 in L 15 in

Cabochon Aquamarine Necklace With 22k Gold Clasp

Located in Bernardsville, NJ

Aquamarine necklace with a toggle clasp. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family with hardness between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale which makes it a suitable gem for everyday wear. Aqua...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, 22k Gold

Cabochon Aquamarine Necklace With 22k Gold Clasp

$3,900 / item

Free Shipping

Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp

By Michael Rose

Located in London, GB

A lapis lazuli bead necklace with an 18 karat yellow gold clasp. The lapis lazuli are double knotted for aesthetics and safety using dark blue thread to perfectly match the colour o...

Category

2010s British Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp

$3,098

Free Shipping

L 16 in

Lapis Lazuli Barrel Shaped Beaded Necklace with Yellow Gold Accents, 22 Inches

By Sarosi By Timeless Gems

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This beautiful necklace features unusual barrel-shaped lapis lazuli beads in graduating sizes, all with gorgeous Royal blue color and characteristic pyrite and calcite veining. The b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Lapis Lazuli Barrel Shaped Beaded Necklace with Yellow Gold Accents, 22 Inches

$2,760

Free Shipping

Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal Bead Necklace with Diamond Clasp

By Michael Rose

Located in London, GB

An opal, lapis lazuli and rock crystal bead necklace with a diamond set clasp This Art Deco inspired bead necklace features the bold colour palate evocative of a golden period in je...

Category