A restrung Ancient Roman necklace composed of yellow glass beads, each displaying varying translucency, hues and shape. The body of the necklace is composed of rounded, ovoid and polygonal beads, slightly increasing in size towards the centre. The pendant of the necklace features a large ovoid bead and a small hoop bead through which the necklace is threaded. Some chips and wear to the beads consistent with age. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string. Such necklaces testify to the popularity of glass ornaments across the Roman Empire. Glass had become more of a malleable material following the invention of glass blowing in the 1st century AD, allowing for new shapes and moulds to become popular in Roman society. One of these innovations included colouring the glass which was done using different metal oxides. 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. Measurements: half length 34cm when folded; beaded half length 23,5cm Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.