Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Handmade bracelet and matching earrings set incorporating Roman purple and yellow glass beads. The authentic ancient beads have been carefully restrung with modern materials and metal spacer beads in a flexible, clasp-free bracelet design for comfortable wear. The earrings feature double pendant drops suspended from decorative hoop fittings with knop terminals and butterfly backs. The glass beads display natural weathering and surface patination consistent with age, while the contemporary mountings allow the pieces to be worn safely without compromising their historical character. Bracelet: Diameter: ± 52 - 65 mm Diameter beads: ± 8,8 mm maximum Earrings: Length: ± 43 mm Diameter beads: ± 8,8 mm maximum -> In Roman society, purple symbolized status, wealth, and authority due to its rarity and expensive production. Sumptuary laws restricted its use to the elite. Certificate: Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher. Condition: Good condition and wearable. The ancient beads have been restrung and combined with modern gold-plated spacer beads and fittings. Minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use. Provenance: Composed of beads originating from various old collections, acquired in the UK between 2016–2024. Character: Each ancient bead displays subtle variations and signs of age, reflecting its long history and adding to the unique charm of every composition. Please note: Photographed in a professional studio against a deep black background to enhance contrast and detail. Studio lighting and individual screen settings may slightly affect the appearance of colours. Historical background: Glass has existed in natural forms since prehistoric times; however, humans first began producing glass around 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, when craftsmen discovered how to combine sand, soda and lime. For centuries, glass remained a luxury material reserved for the upper classes. Across the Mediterranean world, glassmakers developed techniques such as casting, core-forming and mosaic glass, while experimenting with colours using metallic oxides including cobalt and copper. The Romans adopted glassmaking following the conquest of Egypt in the 1st century BC. During the 1st century AD, the invention of glassblowing revolutionised production, allowing for larger-scale manufacturing. By adding manganese dioxide, Roman glassmakers were able to produce colourless or ‘aqua’ glass. Roman glass became highly popular and was widely used for beads, vessels, mosaic tiles and window panes. It was traded throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, reaching regions such as Central Africa, Scandinavia and, via the Silk Road, as far as China.