4000 YR OLD ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BEAD NECKLACE

In the 1980’s and 90’s, we purchased ethnographic and ancient jewelry at the London auction houses, primarily Christies and Phillips.   Much of what we purchased was incomplete and we used the parts, primarily beads, to supply modern jewelry made from ancient  elements to a number of art galleries.  We are now selling the rest of the ancient beads.  Some were mounted as pendants on modern sterling silver posts and sterling silver necklaces. These were priced at $165.00 a few years ago and many sold. For auction is one of those mounted ancient Egyptian  garnet bead necklaces dating to the Old Kingdom, 2686-2134.  Each bead is approximately .15"(3.8mm) and faceted.  As with all ancient  polished gem stone beads  and can be seen in  the images, the facets are somewhat irregular, indicative of hand work.  This is a wonderful artifact of one of the greatest civilizations ever. The Garnets  comes mounted on a 20" Sterling silver box chain and Sterling silver bail and is gift boxed with a certificate of authenticity. This is a beautiful blend of ancient Egyptian garnet beads and modern jewelry making this a unique gift.

Because the gem is commonly blood red, it was believed during the Middle Ages, that Garnets could protect European Crusader knights against wounds and even bring the wearer a military victory. Many an early explorer and traveler liked to carry a Garnet with him, for the Garnet was popular as a talisman and protective stone, as it was believed to light up the night and protect its bearer from evil and disaster.