A restrung Ancient Roman necklace composed of black glass beads. The beads consist of predominantly small circular beads of various shapes, increasing gradually in size towards the centre. The centrepiece is made up of two spherical beads with incisions along the diameter and a triangular bead at the end marked by a singular vertical incision. Some of the beads are marked with linear striations, either vertical or along the diameter, adding depth to the otherwise monochrome composition. Such necklaces testify to the popularity of glass ornaments across the Roman Empire. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string. 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. Length: 40.5cm (half length), 26cm (beaded section) Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.