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Long Strand of Mixed Ancient and Antique Glass Beads - Rita Okrent Collection (AG489)

RARE FIND: only one in our inventory

A striking strand mixing ancient early Islamic and Medieval glass beads with antique European glass, strung together in a rich array of shapes and colors. The mix includes oval, round, eye, faceted, and bicone forms, with three large antique European glass focal beads in white and sky blue, bookended by two ancient Egyptian faience beads. Colors range through green, blue, yellow, white, and violet, with weathered surfaces and soft patina throughout that speak to centuries of burial and wear.

Why We Love It

  • The range of shapes, sizes, and colors makes this an excellent source strand for designers looking to build one-of-a-kind pieces.
  • Three large antique European glass focal beads in white and sky blue offer strong anchor points for a necklace or focal design.
  • Several rarer beads are mixed throughout, including two Egyptian faience beads, a hand-faceted ancient blue glass bead, a green bicone bead, and the yellow and violet beads — each a collectible element on its own.
  • With 62 beads across such varied forms, there's a lot to work with.

Age: Ancient to antique — mixed period strand. Circa 900-1900 C.E.

Dimensions: 30.5 inches (77.5 cm) of beads; 62 beads total, ranging 4.7–20.6mm diameter, 6.7–23.7mm hole-to-hole

Condition: Consistent with age and burial — surface weathering, pitting, and wear on the ancient beads; antique European beads show wear typical of age. Must be restrung, on temporary wire.

Provenance: Ancient early Islamic and Medieval era beads and ancient Egyptian faience beads mixed with antique European glass beads. Found on ancient Saharan trade routes.

Ancient Glass Item 489

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