Ancient Roman Glass Blue Beaded Necklace (No Reserve Price)

An elegant restrung glass necklace from the Roman era. The beads are all different shapes and sizes, as well as different shades of blue, carefully arranged so that the larger beads are nearer the centre and the beads gradually decrease in size towards the end. The centrepiece of the necklace is formed by a cluster of four beads : three large disc shaped bead of varying hue, the most striking of which is the lowermost bead coloured translucent blue with white gradients; a triangular bead is enclosed within the larger disc shaped beads. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string.

Such necklaces testify to the popularity of glass ornaments across the Roman Empire. The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery. The ageing process of glass endows Roman glass jewellery with unique qualities. For instance, contaminants manufactured into the glass, exposed to the surrounding environment over thousands of years, result in beautiful lustres and speckling, where the glass might formerly have been transparent.

Measurements: Half length 34. 5cm, beaded half-length 21cm

Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.