A restrung Western Asiatic necklace composed of vibrant orange hardstone beads. The body of the necklace is composed of rounded and spherical beads, that very gradually increase in size towards the centre. A stack of five beads forms the pendant, two are disk shaped, two spherical and at the end a small hoop bead through which the necklace is threaded. Each bead presents a unique shape and hue, reflecting their antique and hand-crafted qualities. Some chips and wear consistent with age. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on a 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) Full-length 73.4 cm, Beaded Full-length 37.9 cm Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.