A finely modelled Western Asiatic electrum bead. The bead features a rounded, ovoid body, decorated with diagonal grooves and ridges, reminiscent of a leaf. To the top, a loop has been added for suspension. Minor wear consistent with age such as scratches and indentations to the surface, alongside earthy encrustations and warping to the metal. 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: L 0.9cm x W 0.4cm Weight: 0.15g Provenance: Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.