Ancient Roman Glass Green 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 green, carefully arranged so that the larger beads are nearer to the centre and the beads gradually decrease in size towards the ends. The centrepiece of the necklace is formed by a cluster of five beads: two ovoid beads, a spherical bead and a large irregular ridged bead and finally a clear tubular bead at the end. 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 48cm, beaded half-length 21cm

Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.