A delicate restrung Western Asiatic necklace composed of small hardstone beads in assorted shades of orange. Mostly uniform and tubular in shape, the beads gradually increase in size towards a centre piece of two larger stones. The face of one of the centre stones features a lovely spiral from the natural rock layers within. The second stone features a perforation through which the necklace is held together. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on a string. Jewellery is thought to be one of the oldest forms of art within history, with the presence of rings, bangles and necklaces’ being present in almost all ancient societies. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are demonstrated through their sophisticated jewellery making. Precious and semi-precious stones, such as agate, lapis lazuli, and carnelian, were also widely used as well as glass, coral, stones and metal. Measurements: Half length 33.5cm, beaded length 21.5cm Provenance: Ex private collection, UK 1990s.