A restrung Ancient Roman dark blue glass beaded necklace. The top half of the necklace is composed of small circular beads, which develops into larger circular and irregular-shaped beads for the remainder of the necklace. A centrepiece is formed from a stack of three larger beads: one spherical, one hemispherical beads and the last of oblong shape. Each bead displays a unique shape, hue and translucency, reflecting their antique and hand-crafted nature. The necklace is threaded on string and finished with a modern gold-plated clasp. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chipping and earthly encrustations. 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. Lapis lazuli stone was highly regarded in the ancient world. The first use of this beautiful, vibrant rich blue stone dates back to the Neolithic, when it was first mined and exported to the Mediterranean and South Asia. Measurements: (circa) Full-length: 45.5 cm Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.