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Strand of beads - Carnelian - Sahara-West Africa - Ancient

EOLITHIC CARNELIAN BEAD STRAND — Long 60 cm Strand of Rough Orange-Red Stone Discs, Sahara A long, graduated strand of ancient Neolithic carnelian beads from the Sahara, made of rough, hand-chipped discs from ø7.2 to ø13 mm (0.28 to 0.51 in) in deep orange, red-orange, amber and brown, growing from small discs at the ends to the largest at the center. The strand measures 60 cm (23.6 in), long enough to hang low on the chest, as shown in our photo. Raw, tactile and unpolished: carnelian with its hand-shaped character intact. PLEASE NOTE — STRAND AS SHOWN, NO CLASP This strand is sold exactly as photographed, strung on clear nylon thread. It is not a finished necklace: no clasp is included. Wear it as it is, tied at the back of the neck, or restring it on your own cord, silk or chain with the clasp of your choice. WHAT "NEOLITHIC" MEANS HERE In the bead trade, "Neolithic" is the customary name for ancient, hand-made stone beads from the Sahara, shaped and drilled by hand long before industrial tools. It is a descriptive category rather than a laboratory date, and we do not claim a precise age for this strand. THE DETAILS THAT MATTER These are not polished, machine-cut beads. Each disc has an irregular outline and a flaked, faceted surface that still shows the marks of hand shaping, and many keep patches of dark brown crust, bright white weathered chips and glassy translucent orange where the stone is thin. Each disc has a small, hand-made central hole. Look at the macro photos: the hammered texture and the natural crust are exactly what modern polished carnelian lacks. The graduation is the second thing to notice. The discs grow gradually in size toward the center, so the strand hangs in a balanced curve and sits well on the chest, and at 60 cm it can be worn as a long statement necklace. As honest detail: many discs show chips, brown crust and pale patches, which we consider part of their age rather than flaws. The strand is sold exactly as shown. MATERIAL & LOOK Carnelian (orange-red chalcedony), rough hand-chipped discs from ø7.2 to ø13 mm, in red-orange, amber and brown with translucent areas, brown crust and white weathered patches. Strung on clear nylon thread. WEAR IT, OR COLLECT IT For collectors of ancient Saharan stone beads, a complete 60 cm graduated strand with this much natural color, crust and hand-shaped character is a substantial study piece. For anyone who loves bold, earthy jewelry, the warm orange-red tones sit beautifully against white linen, denim, silver and turquoise. And for jewelry makers, it is a ready source of unusual rough carnelian discs. WHY COLLECTORS SEEK OUT THIS PIECE Neolithic carnelian beads with their original rough, worn surfaces are far less common than the polished carnelian strands usually offered. A complete, long graduated strand like this is a strong find, and every strand is one of a kind and cannot be repeated. SPECIFICATIONS • Material: carnelian • Origin: Sahara • Type: Neolithic-style ancient stone beads (trade designation, not a lab date) • Shape: rough hand-chipped discs, graduated • Size: ø7.2 to 13 mm / 0.28 to 0.51 inches • Length: 60 cm / 23.6 inches • Thread: clear nylon, included • Condition: ancient, genuine wear consistent with age; chips, brown crust and pale patches on many discs (see photos) • No clasp included (see PLEASE NOTE) FROM OUR SHOP We are faqrun, specializing in genuine antique trade beads and tribal jewelry sourced through direct relationships built over years. Every piece is described as accurately as we can — please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Ships within 1–3 days from Spain. This item will be shipped with trackable registered mail.
Estimate:£184.26
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art
Estimate:
£184.26
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