A fine Western Asiatic gold bead. The bead features an inverted tear-drop shaped body that tapers to a rounded point at the bottom. The body of the bead is dented on both sides. There is a loop at the top for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as some tarnishing, indentations, scratches, cracks, warping, and chips. Some earthly encrustations to the surface. Please note, this is a small bead. Measurements provided below. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of the Near East and Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold beads would have been a part of elaborate larger pieces, such as on necklaces or bracelets in the area of Western Asia. Beautiful precious and semi-precious stones would have been added in the larger pieces to signify wealth and social status. These styles were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Gold necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets would have been worn in everyday life but also buried with the deceased. Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.6cm Weight: 0.22g Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.