4 4000 YEAR OLD ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BEADS ANTIQUE

These four natural gem stone beads are a triple rarity. First, they date from the Old Kingdom period in Egypt, about 2686-2134 BC. That is the time of great growth, art and building including the pyramids. Second, they are faceted to a pentagonal form. That is rare because it is five sided and nearly all faceted beads are an even number of sides so they are symmetrical when strung. Third (and fourth, depending how you count) they are fine gem stones, garnets. And, evidently then as today, the finest garnets are those of the deepest red and uniform in color. These are all of that and a matched pair. They measure about .13" or 3.4mm. Of course, they are hand polished so the facets are slightly irregular, but that is as found on the best Egyptian jewelry of the period and these certainly rank among the best. They would make a fine addition to an antiquities collection or modern jewelry creation. sg1. I have about 20 beads total of this size.