Greek Hellenistic 18K+ Gold & Garnet Bead Necklace

Greece, late Hellenistic period, ca. 2nd to 1st century BCE. An exquisite necklace of an elegant and opulent form strung with dozens of hand-carved spherical garnet beads. The crimson-hued garnets are interspersed with 78% gold (equivalent to 18K+) spheres with flared upper and lower rims that surround the suspension holes. Displayed in the center are a pair of three 90% gold (equivalent to 21K+) pendants, two of a petaloid form and the largest in an ovoid form, with polished garnets set within shallow bezels. Strung in modern times and capped with a gold-filled loop and French hook combo, this is a stunning and wearable example of fine Hellenistic artistry! Size (necklace): 16.8" L (42.7 cm); (central pendant): 0.625" W x 0.6" H (1.6 cm x 1.5 cm); quality of gold: 78% for beads (equivalent to 18K+) and 90% for pendants (equivalent to 21K+); total weight: 47.6 grams.

Provenance: private Dere Family Collection, New York City, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s - 2000s

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#151641
Condition Report: Strung in modern times and wearable as shown. Garnet beads and gold pendants are ancient, and stringing and gold-filled components are modern. Minor abrasions and nicks to some garnet beads, with small losses to peripheries of petaloid gold pendants. Light patina throughout.