A restrung Western Asiatic necklace composed of vibrant orange and red hardstone beads. The body of the necklace is composed of small rounded beads, interspersed with larger spherical and square beads of varying hues. A stack of seven larger spherical and tubular beads, ascending in size, acts as a pendant at the centre of the necklace, with the last bead ending in a small hoop bead through which the necklace is threaded. Each bead presents a unique shape, texture and hue, reflecting their antique and hand-crafted qualities. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on 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: circa beaded half length 20cm, half length 24.5cm Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.