During ancient Egyptian times, virtually everyone wore beads, male, female, young and old. The Egyptian word for luck was "sha", "sha sha" meant bead. Beads were worn to protect the wearer from misfortune. Some mummies were buried with thousands of beads! Egyptians believed that these beads would give them comfort in the afterlife. These mummy beads were crafted ca 2500 years ago in Egypt out of faience. The faience paste was rolled around a string and cut into thin discs or tubular shapes. This jewellery set comes with a COA ( Certificate of Authenticity) stating the provenance (Swiss Collection before 1972). - Colors: shades of green and turquoise blue, brique red and gold - Length necklace: 48 cm - The beads are datable 664-332 B.C, very good condition according with age and use. - The central amulet mesures 16 x 9 mm - Finishings and spacers beads are gold plated sterling silver (new) - The necklace will be carefully wrapped and shipped with tracking.