Necklace - Crystal - Nepal - Late 20th century

This is a Nepalese Himalayan old white crystal egg bead.

Material: Made from natural white crystal, a silica mineral belonging to the quartz crystal family. When pure, it forms colorless, transparent crystals. The old white crystal egg bead pictured here exhibits a relatively translucent texture. Each bead is uniquely shaped and crystal clear. Old white crystal egg beads often exhibit natural textures and inclusions, some even showing natural ice cracks and cotton-like features, hallmarks of natural crystal.

Shape: Typically polished into an oval egg shape, this aesthetically pleasing shape provides a comfortable fit. Strung with hand-woven brown cord, each bead is uniquely shaped, suitable for everyday wear or collection.

Nepal, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, has historically been an important cultural and trade hub. White crystal egg beads have a long history of use in the region, often used in religious ceremonies and traditional jewelry. In Buddhist culture, crystal is considered symbolic of purity and brightness, representing the purity and wisdom of Buddha nature. Therefore, old white crystal egg beads may carry similar spiritual connotations. These beads may have circulated along ancient trade routes, serving as a testament to exchanges between different ethnic groups and cultures. Bead size: approximately 13×16-15×20mm