{"title":"Ancient Glass Beads","description":"Ancient Glass Beads have long been a very special part of the Rita Okrent Collection. Our ancient beads have origins in the Middle East, Persia, West Africa and Indonesia and date from the Roman and Islamic periods. Rita acquired much of her collection of ancient glass beads in 1993, while traveling in Syria, from a Syrian collector. The collector identified the beads as Phoenician Roman glass and ancient Islamic glass beads found in (now) Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, specifically in the area of Horan, the ancient city of Palmyra, Ataman, and Hara (near Latakia). This was an old collection when Rita purchased it in the 1990's, acquired in the early to mid 1900's. Rita also sourced ancient glass beads in the 1980's in Egypt and Jatim beads in the early 1980's. \u003cbr\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ancient-glass-item-095","title":"Ancient Phoenician Eye Beads, Lebanon or Syria - Rita Okrent  Collection (AG095)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAncient Phoenician Eye Beads, Lebanon or Syria. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1500 BC - 530 BC.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e14-18mm each.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold individually. Let us know your bead preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Glass Item 095\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45853260236,"sku":"Ancient Glass Item 095","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/files\/FullSizeRender_4289ad94-e4f8-4255-8fcd-61e643528b4e.jpg?v=1770652191"},{"product_id":"black-early-islamic-bead-with-white-spiral-design-egypt-rita-okrent-collection-ag024d","title":"Black Early Islamic Bead with White Spiral Design, Egypt  - Rita Okrent Collection (AG024d)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAncient Early Islamic-Era Black Glass Bead with White Spiral Design, Egypt. Could be late Roman Era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEspecially nice as design is repeated on 3 sides \/ all the way around the bead.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRita collected her ancient glass beads during travel in the 1980's and early 1990's to Egypt and Syria, but they come from all over the Levant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9.9mm (hole to hole) x 10.3mm (diameter).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAncient Glass Item 024d\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45853262412,"sku":"Ancient Glass Item 024d","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/products\/IMG_1132.jpg?v=1603527277"},{"product_id":"ancient-item-023b","title":"Black and White Ancient Glass Bead from the Near East - Rita Okrent Collection (AG023b)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely black bead with white striping and decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has the look of a stone bead and may be a combination of stone and glass. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20 mm length. 11mm mm diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced by Rita in Cairo in the early 1980’s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Glass Item 023b\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45853262668,"sku":"Ancient Item 023b","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/products\/image_f9d9814a-1886-45fb-aeff-adaa1d0d835a.jpg?v=1601488194"},{"product_id":"ancient-early-islamic-era-glass-evil-eye-beads-pricing-varies-sold-individually-rita-okrent-collection-ag110n","title":"Ancient Medieval Early Islamic-Era Glass Evil Eye Beads, Pricing Varies, Sold Individually - Rita Okrent Collection (AG110N)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAncient Early Islamic period glass eye beads. Sold individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEye beads are among the most enduring ornaments of the ancient world — circular eye motifs created through lampwork, inset, or mosaic glassworking techniques. Produced across the Middle East in significant quantities from roughly 900–1200 CE, they traveled with the expansion of Islam to North Africa, Southern Europe, India, and beyond, reaching Sub-Saharan Africa where they served as symbols of status in the great Malian kingdoms and played roles in burial, initiation, and dowry rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy we love these beads: Each bead is a small, distinct artifact. Differences in design, iridescence, wear, and color reflect centuries of use and trade across multiple cultures. No two are alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes generally range from 8–15mm. Include any size preference in your order notes and we’ll do our best to accommodate based on current inventory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePricing reflects rarity, condition, eye quality, and color. Beads listed as “Damaged” show the most wear — chips, missing eyes, or similar — and are priced and sold accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs are representative of available variations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested in a full strand? A limited number of original 100-bead strands are available — mixed wear and bead types. Inquire for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Glass Item 110N\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore:\u003c\/strong\u003e As bead researcher and expert, Robert K. Liu writes in Ornament Magazine: “The term Islamic Period Glass Beads is used, similarly to Roman Period Beads, to classify groups of ornaments from specific geographic areas and time periods, with recognizable characteristics including patterns and techniques. In the case of Islamic glass beads we know they originated in the Middle East and flourished mostly between the seventh and twelfth centuries. Their designs display a wide mix of techniques and styles: millefiori\/mosaic (including pierced mosaic pad beads), trailed, filigreed, combed, fused rods, segmented\/blown, folded (an Islamic innovation, Holland and Holland 2006) and those derived from amulet shapes, like charm case beads with loops.”Islamic glass beads traveled from their sources of production in the Middle and Near East together with the expansion of Islam to North Africa, Southern Europe (Spain), India and the Far East and they reached areas well beyond Islam’s actual limits of expansion such as Northern Europe. They also flowed into Sub-Saharan Africa, where they were valued and cherished for centuries in the Malian ancient kingdoms as a symbol of status and played an important role in the communities’ rites and ceremonies such a burials, initiation or dowries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Ancient Glass Item 110N\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Clean - Eyes Visible","offer_id":22758143066197,"sku":"Ancient Item 110N","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Patina - Eyes Visible","offer_id":22450217189461,"sku":"Ancient Item 110N","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Green, with Eyes","offer_id":22758143098965,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Blue w\/Yellow Eyes","offer_id":22758147063893,"sku":"","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tube, w\/Eyes","offer_id":22758157090901,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Damaged, Imperfect, but useable","offer_id":22758161416277,"sku":"","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Extra Special\/Rare","offer_id":32610282831957,"sku":"","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Clean Blue, No Eye","offer_id":32610302296149,"sku":"","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Patina, No Eyes Visible","offer_id":32610319237205,"sku":"","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oval, no eyes","offer_id":48022103818542,"sku":"","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/products\/6FDA20E5-F2F3-4E7A-80FC-6783009A54A6_1_105_c.jpg?v=1608930831"},{"product_id":"strand-of-20-mixed-ancient-islamic-glass-beads-some-with-eyes-rita-okrent-collection-ag338","title":"Strand of 21 Mixed Ancient Islamic Glass Beads, Some with Eyes - Rita Okrent Collection (AG338)","description":"\u003cp\u003eStrand of 21 early Islamic-era blue glass beads found in the Sahel Region of West Africa (Mali or Mauritania). Mixed wear and size on these beads. Some beads have striping, some have patina, some have eyes.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEstimated to be circa 1200-1600 A.D. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTraded and worn to keep away the “evil eye” in many cultures across the Mediterranean.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBeads vary from 10-15mm.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou will receive the strand pictured.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLots to work with in your jewelry designs. Suitable for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. Can be used as stunning focal beads on simple necklaces as well.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAncient Glass Item 338\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40007139885141,"sku":"Ancient Glass Item 338","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/products\/IMG_3919_2e9c86b3-f8ff-4913-845a-88b21c95e4b0.jpg?v=1669932860"},{"product_id":"short-strand-of-10-small-ancient-islamic-glass-evil-eye-beads-from-the-sahara-rita-okrent-collection-ag305t","title":"Short Strand of 10 Small Ancient Islamic Glass Evil Eye Beads from the Sahara - Rita Okrent Collection (AG305t)","description":"\u003cp\u003eStrand of 10 very old small early Islamic-era blue glass eye beads found in the Sahara\/Sahel Region of West Africa (Mali or Mauritania).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEstimated to be circa 1200-1600 A.D. or older.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTraded and worn to keep away the “evil eye” in many cultures across the Mediterranean.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA lovely mix of beads . Overall worn condition with visible eyes on most beads.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBead size ranges from 8-11mm diameter on this strand.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou will receive the strand pictured.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNote that the first photo highlights the strand with light behind it, and the second is how these beads appear without being backlit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLots to work with in your jewelry designs. Suitable for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAncient Glass Item 305t\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44767162466606,"sku":"","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/products\/FF0CABEB-0506-4361-9C0E-49D1D5D0681B_1_105_c.jpg?v=1739245448"},{"product_id":"choice-of-strands-ancient-early-islamic-glass-beads-some-with-eyes-rita-okrent-collection-ag111n","title":"Ancient Early Islamic Glass Beads, Some with Eyes  - Rita Okrent Collection (AG111n)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 55 bead strand  \/ 23 inches of round early Islamic era (900-1200 A.D.) ancient excavated blue Islamic beads from Mauritania and Mali. Blue is traditionally used for protection by Islamic and African societies and people, with or without the eye.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e 23 inches of round ancient Islamic glass beads, 10 of 55 beads have eyes. 7-17mm bead size. Lots of wear and use on these beads. Good for use in necklaces and as focal beads. Strand is approximately 29 inches including raffia.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMany early Islamic glass beads have been found in Mauritania and Mali, specifically in the caravan towns of Timbuktu, Mopti, Djenne and Gao. They vary in design and wear, patina and iridescence, and are somewhere in between 600-1000 years old (or more). Some have been buried for hundreds of years and may have once had eyes on them, or perhaps were made to be worn with and complement eye beads.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNote: photos of the beads have a light source behind them. The beads may appear darker hued in person as seen without a light source behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Glass Item 111n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46185990914350,"sku":"Ancient Glass Item 111n","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/files\/C8A120CA-702B-4155-8F60-D1C63ECE97A5_1_105_c.jpg?v=1748127085"},{"product_id":"a-strand-of-ancient-early-islamic-glass-beads-in-blue-and-green-some-with-eyes-rita-okrent-collection-ag111p","title":"A Strand of Ancient Early Islamic Glass Beads, in Blue and Green, Some with Eyes  - Rita Okrent Collection (AG111p)","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome extraordinary beads on this strand with wear and age and multiple eyes. A treasure trove!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly Islamic era (900-1200 A.D.) ancient excavated blue Islamic beads  from Mauritania and Mali. Blue is traditionally used for protection by Islamic and African societies and people, with or without the eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e33 inches of beads,  67 beads,  8-19mm diameter, 4.5-22mm beads (hole-to-hole), large variety of sizes and shapes. One brown\/reddish bead. A small deep blue melon bead.  6 oval beads.1 broken bead (not included in count).Several small translucent beads suitable for earrings, bracelets and delicate necklaces. Some extraordinary beads on this strand with wear and age and multiple eyes. A treasure trove!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany early Islamic glass beads have been found in Mauritania and Mali, specifically in the caravan towns of Timbuktu, Mopti, Djenne and Gao. They vary in design and wear, patina and iridescence, and are somewhere in between 600-1000 years old (or more). Some have been buried for hundreds of years and may have once had eyes on them, or perhaps were made to be worn with and complement eye beads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote that in some photos the beads have a light source behind them and tend to be darker in person when seen without the light source.\u003cbr\u003eAncient Glass Item 111p\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46201206997294,"sku":"Ancient Glass Item 111p","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/files\/C0B2C2A8-F7FA-4662-BFB4-EC9D2C12878C_1_105_c.jpg?v=1748126929"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/collections\/image.jpg?v=1722098679","url":"https:\/\/ritaokrent.com\/collections\/ancient-glass-beads.oembed?page=2","provider":"Rita Okrent Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}