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 pendant with Roman purple glass beads. The pendant is formed as a stylised coiled serpent with finely textured surface imitating snake skin. Ancient Roman purple glass beads are suspended from the lower coils, adding movement and elegance to the design. -> In Roman society, purple symbolized status, wealth, and authority due to its rarity and expensive production. Sumptuary laws restricted its use to the elite. -> The snake was a popular theme in Roman art and jewellery. According to Roman beliefs, it secured the family’s prosperity. The cult of this reptile probably came from Macedonia, where it was believed that the animal has the magical power to influence fertility. That’s why women so gladly wore snake-shaped jewellery. Length: ± 58,7 mm Diameter beads: ± 8,8 mm maximum 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.