Persian Marlik 20K+ Gold and Glass Bead Necklace

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Marlik culture, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A necklace composed of dozens of black and colorless glass beads with drilled suspension holes, ten roundels, and a central circular medallion. The gold roundels are formed from 85% gold (equivalent to 20K+ gold) and have seven bosses in repousse. The central medallion is composed of a gold-silver alloy (41% silver, 55% gold [equivalent to 12K+ gold]) and has a central hemisphere surrounded by a ring which itself displays five radiating triangles, all with stippling filling the surrounding spaces. The beads, roundels, and medallion are connected via modern gold-filled links of wire, and the terminals are capped with a modern gold-filled loop and lobster clasp combo. A beautiful and wearable example of ancient art meets modern stylization! Size (necklace): 20.625" L (52.4 cm); size of largest bead (medallion): 1.15" Diameter (2.9 cm); quality of gold (roundels): 85% gold (equivalent to 20K+); quality of gold (medallion): 41% silver, 55% gold (equivalent to 12K+); total weight: 24.4 grams.

Provenance: ex-private Shenas collection, Queens, New York, USA, acquired around 1970

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#145662
Condition Report: Strung in modern times and wearable as shown. Glass beads, gold roundels, and gold-silver medallion are ancient, and stringing and gold-filled components are modern. Slight bending to some roundels and medallion, small chips to some glass beads, with softening to some finer details on medallion, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout, and fine patina on gold and gold-silver items.