A fine Western Asiatic electrum bead made from three horizontal, globular modules, decorated with a single granule on each module (top one now missing). Suspension loop to the top. Signs of wear and encrustation consistent with age. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold and other precious metal would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.3cm Weight: 0.26g Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.