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. Necklace with Egyptian semi-precious turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and carnelian beads. The authentic ancient beads are restrung with modern materials and fittings. Total length: ± 44,5 cm Diameter beads: ± 6,4 mm maximum Condition: good solid condition and wearable. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. See images. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format) for every item with a hammer price of € 100 or more. LAPIS LAZULI was associated with strength, courage, royalty, wisdom and truth. The dark blue colour reminded the Egyptian of the night skies and the gold pyrite flecks as the stars. It was favoured by the Egyptian pharaohs and was famously used in the burial mask of King Tutankhamen. TURQUOISE was a prized possession for ancient Egyptians and their Pharaohs. The iconic burial mask of Tutankhamun was extravagantly adorned with this gemstone. Its light blue-green colour was greatly valued by the ancient Egyptians who associated it with fertility and vegetation. The ancient Egyptians believed it protected all those who wore it. At the end of the 5th Millennium BC the Egyptians started making faience. This allowed them to imitate the highly prized and rare semi-precious turquoise gemstones and produce it in higher quantities. CARNELIAN The Egyptians believed carnelian had magical powers; it was believed it could ward off evil, help the blood circulation and make the skin look healthy and youthful. Carnelian was known as the 'Blood of Isis' (Goddess of nature and guide of souls to the Underworld). Accordingly, a carnelian amulet called a 'thet' was placed on mummies to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife. The Egyptian faith in carnelian was so strong that, along with turquoise and lapis lazuli, it was the most used stone in ancient Egyptian jewellery.