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. These ancient beads come with a COA ( Certificate of Authenticity) stating the provenance (Swiss Collection before 1972). - About 700 ancient Egyptian faience beads. 100 beads make lots of earrings or a bracelet - Colors: shades of green and blue with some browns and greys - Size: ca 1-12 mm, most are around 4 mm - The beads are datable 664-332 B.C, very good condition according with age and use. - The beads will be carefully wrapped.