A delicate restrung Western Asiatic necklace composed of small bicone lapis lazuli beads, of uniform size. The blue semi-precious stone presents in a range of deep shades, creating a multi-chrome effect. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on a string. Lapis lazuli stone was highly regarded in Mesopotamia and the Near East in general. Rulers and members of the elite had the custom of being buried with ornaments made partly or entirely of this semi-precious stone. The first use of this beautiful, vibrant rich blue stone dates back to the Neolithic when it was first mined in Afghanistan and exported to the Mediterranean area and South Asia. Length: 20.5cm half-length (beaded section); 36cm half-length (total including string) Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.