COL05.   Early silver beads and bird pendants from Peru.   $380.US.
  COL08.   This necklace is a bit of a mix between two areas in South America.  The Tairona carnelian beads give great energy to the silver pieces from Peru - all preColumbian/preHispanic.  The hollow silver men are very delicate so if you would like to clean them you must be very gentle.  The necklace is 18 inches around and has a central bead pendant of 2 1/4 inches.  The tubular bead itself is slightly over 1 3/4 inches long.   $550.US.
  COL09.   There is a great collection of zoomorphic greenstone amulet beads from Mexico on this 16 inch necklace.  The spacers are silver flying saucer beads from Ethiopia, the only beads that I could find that suited the creatures.  There are ten preColumbian amulet beads, and three plain ones.  The largest zoomorphic one in the middle is 1 1/4 inches long.  When wearing this you are travelling with magic coming from the past and being brought into the modern world.   $750.US.
  COL12.   This 18 inch long necklace of silver beads from Afghanistan sits nicely with the plaque/pendant at the base of the neck.  It hasn't been polished for a while and I think would like a little gentle buffing.  $600.US.
  COL14.   This 16 inch long necklace is made out of silver beads from Afghanistan that were collected over time, all interesting and sitting closely together, but having a spiderweb look to them as well.   $550.US.

  COL25.   This is a very simple strand of African trade beads originating in Venice.  The central bead is a 7-layer chevron, 3/4 inch long and 5/8 in diameter.  The strand is just under 16 inches, and all threaded onto a leather cord, tied shut in the back.   $225.US.

  COL31.   This beautiful carved ivory piece is 6 3/4 inches from one end to the other.  The metal bar at the top is 3 1/16 inches wide.  The container at the bottom is 1 3/4 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches tall.  This is an antique well over 100 years old, and I believe it came from Japan. 
There is gorgeous metal work with fine images cast and etched into it with carved ivory decorations fastened onto it.  The work is very very fine, and includes a container at the bottom end.  The tiny piece that keeps the container closed is missing but could quite easily be replaced by a jeweller who is used to working with antique pieces.  One the second image you can see that a small amount of carving is missing from immediately under the upper bar.  It is the clothing of a man portrayed there.  I still don't know how this piece was used so the new owner might have some serious research to do.  This comes from the collection of Gerald Emmett Carter who was the Archbishop of Toronto, Canada in the years 1978-1990.   $800.US.

 

COL33.   This Tuareg "elkez" bracelet is remarkably heavy at 345.9 grams.  This is too small for me to wear (I can slip it on but it doesn't sit comfortably) so it has sat in its sculptural way in a display case along with other African silver.  The inside measures 1 7/8 inches across from side to side.  These pieces were signs of wealth as well as ornament and often made from melted down coins or trade silver.  (see page 37 of "A World of Bracelets")  This is silver but not sterling grade.  The jewellery made her varies a lot as it is made from the melted silver that they have collected.  Theends of the geometrically decorative pieces are 1 1/8 inch square.  $850.US.
 

 

   COL66.   The colours of these antique Vaseline beads are richer than the photo shows.  It is a great combination of colours (in my opinion anyway) and is cheerful to wear.  The necklace is slightly over 15 inches long, closed with a silver turtle that fits through a loop like a button.  There are African silver flying saucer beads at the back.   $245.US.
   COL67.   I collected these 6 and 7 layer Venetian chevrons over 15 years or so, generally buying one or two at a time.  I have strung them on an Indian silver cord/necklace so that there is empty space and the layers of the beads can be seen from the sides.  I just went through them checking how many layers each has.  If you go around the necklace starting at the clasp on the top moving clockwards you can apply my numbers to them.  Keep in mind that the inside layer is sometimes very thin from wear so difficult to see at times.  I did look carefully though.  So - the number of layers are:  7, 7, 7, 7, 2 (black & white bead), 7, 7, 7, 3 (not a chevron), 7, 5or6, 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 7, 5or6, 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6, 7.  I still have to find my notes and check what these beads had cost me before I can price them.
   COL72.   This antique silver Chinese butterfly pendant is blackened as it has been hanging on a hook on my wall for years.  A good cleaning will bring up the gleam of the silver, though I wouldn't dip it, just use a polishing cloth so that the recessed parts are contrasted in black.  Dips actually take off a layer of silver and really shouldn't be used.  The image on the butterfly is the same on both sides and 5 nicely decorated grooming tools hang from it.  The chain is just under 32 inches around and from that, the pendant is 7 inches long.  (96 gr.)   $475.US.
   COL73.   This lovely antique pendant from Iran could use some cleaning.  The silver has darkened as it has hung from my wall for a number of years.  The 20 1/2 inch long chain is attached by "S" hooks so can be removed and used for other pendants as well.  This pendant is 3 7/8 inches tall and decorated with writing as well as images of flowers.  It is very graceful.  $475.US.
   COL74.   I had a few of these antique silver pendants from Afghanistan for sale and kept one for myself.  I love the contrast between the flat square of carnelian and the decorative twirls of silver on the pendant.  The pendant is 2 7/8 inches tall including hanging loops.  The chain is newish and from India - a little over 19 inches long.  Like much of the silver from my collection it needs a cleaning to bring out the gleam of it.   $325.US.
   COL75.   I bought this strand of preColumbian Tairona beads from Colombia at auction in the mid nineties from a collection created more than 50 years earlier.  These could be the basis for a wonderful bracelet, or a central part of a necklace - finding these tiny crystal beads is very difficult these days and they deserve to be kept together on one item.  The strand is about 5 3/4 inches long.  The longest bead is 1 1/8 inches long.  $220.US.
   COL84.   I bought these banded agate beads in 2004 when the Dalai Lama was visiting Toronto, Canada.  There were a number of dealers - some coming directly from the Tibet area - most of who had modern versions of dzi beads, but there were a few with antique/ancient material as well.  These are beautiful rich looking beads which I strand into a 15 1/2 inch long necklace.  The large "eyed" bead in the center is slightly over 3/4 inch in diameter.  Because I didn't have quite enough beads for the length I added 6 African silver beads at the back along with a silver "S" hook to shut it.   $2200.US.
   COL85.   This necklace is a mix of cultures.  The antique facet carnelian beads at the front were most likely carved in Idar-Oberstein, the ancient striped (etched) agate bead from the Middle East, the ancient skinny carnelian beads are Bactrian, the ancient crystal and quartz beads on the other side from the trade route in Djenne, and the blue glass beads at the back are probably Bohemian.  The necklace is 27 inches around and pulled over the head.   $550.US. 
   COL88.   This is an agate and crystal necklace from Africa that I just couldn't bear to sell.  It was very attractive in my display case along with the beads below, all with different character to them.  I don't know how many beads are on this strand, but it is a LOT, all facing in different directions like a plant growing.  There are 22 inches of beads with longer pendant beads hanging in the middle.  The longest pendant bead in the middle is slightly over 3 1/8 inches long.  I haven't seen another strand like this for years...   $1450.US.
   COL91.   These two strands of Islamic glass beads coming out of Djenne in North Africa are darker, more night blue in colour, and richer looking.  Sometimes getting the correct colour in the photos becomes almost impossible for me.  Strand #1 is 24 inches long.  $145.US.   Strand #2 is 26 inches long with skinny beads that I have rarely seen.   $165.US.   (#2 is sold)
   COL92.   This is a ridiculously huge and heavy strand of preColumbian greenstone beads and whorls that has been sitting in one of my display cases.  I can only imagine a statue wearing this - impossible for an average person.  They are too heavy for my small scales to weigh.  My rather inaccurate suitcase scale shows 2.5 pounds, definitely over a kilo.   Definitely heavy.  The central bead, the darkest colour of green is 2 1/4 inches long,  1 1/2 inches across, and  1 inch thick.  If you see the full size photo 14 inches across, you will be seeing the beads close to life size.   $1500.US.
   COL93.   You can see a similar pair of earrings on page 47 of "A World of Earrings".  Quoting the book:  "Mali (Peul) - Numerous variants of this type are found throughout Southern Sudan".  I bought these antique silver earrings in 1990 or so at a shop on Greene St. in Soho, NYC.  I was constantly fascinated by the swirls of silver spirals and the skill that must have been needed to create them.  The points of the earrings are quite fine so could be used with fairly average earholes as long as the ear is thick enough to hold the earrings in a sturdy way.  They measure 1 3/4 inches across.  $345.US.
   COL94.   This is an attractive pair of silver antique Tuareg earrings (they need a cleaning as they have tarnished in the display case) - you can see similar ones in "A World of Earrings" on page 41.  To quote the book:  "Sahara, Niger (Tuareg) - Ullimeden women wear matching bracelets and tsabit in solid silver, with polyhedric ends, whose simplicity echoes their austere life in the largest desert in the world."  These earrings are 2 1/4 inches from top to bottom.  The loops that go through a piercing are about 4mm across so you need an extra large earhole to wear them.  (67.4 grams for the pair)  $195.US.
   COL95.   These three antique amulet pendants come from the area of Iran in the Mid-East.  #1 is 1 5/8 inches across and has writing on both sides.  $85.US.   #2 is a 3-dimensional pendant with patterning on both sides, and a small amount of writing on the top of one side.  It is quite heavy so probably has something inside.  $165.US.   #3 is 2 1/8 inches tall and has writing on both sides.  $120.US.
   COL96.   This is a great pair of Moroccan bracelets of a similar style to the ones on page 20 of "A World of Bracelets."  According to the author writing about the group illustrated there:  "Morocco, Western and Central Anti-Atlas (Ida ou Semlal and Ida ou Nadif) silver, niello and glass.  These bracelets show the flawless mastery of nielloware and engraving achieved by artisans in the past.  The half-spheres resemble nails which, like any pointed object, ward off the evil eye."  The bracelets were not made as a pair and each has its own character.  They look great though, one on each wrist and I always wore them together so am selling them together.  The bracelets are 6 inches around on the inside.   $900.US/pair
   COL97.   This style of bracelet is shown on page 34 of "A World of Bracelets."  The author wrote "Mauritania.  Women here display several pairs of their favourite jewels, the mizam which are decorated with balls and pyramids.  When these are worn by guedra dancers in the south of Morocco, hand and foot movements made during their seductive performances draw the eye to the ornaments as well as to their symbolic henna designs."  This bracelet is 2 1/16 inches across on the inside, and opens up so that it can be put on easily.  It fits well on my 6 inch wrist.  (90.5 grams)   $550.US.
   COL98.   This is a damaged piece but I fell in love with it nonetheless.  I never strung it up (it has a stringing hole big enough for a good sized cord) but just had it in a display case.  I love the strength of the design elements on it, as well as the little bit of stamped writing at the top of each piece.  The piece is silver but is patinated from the air acting with the silver.  On the one side, the square central stone is missing as well as one of the small round ones.  On the other side, there is a piece broken from the sheet silver at the bottom.  These never bothered me though, as I suppose they are a good indication of the age of this pendant.  It is slightly under 5 inches tall and 3 3/4 inches wide.  It is quite heavy at 106 grams.  $400.US.
   COL99.   I have three antique fibulas here, all silver.  #1 is similar to the fibulas on page 46 of "A World of Necklaces."  According to the text there:  "Tunisia, Gabes.  Cast and hammered silver....  crescent shapes...  This type of jewellery is traditional in the Gabes region."  This piece is 5 7/8 inches tall, very graceful and becoming a rare style.  $245.US.   #2 is of the same style as the fibulas on page 19 of "A World of Necklaces."  "Morocco, Western Anti-Atlas Mountains.  Northern Africa was colonized by Rome very early on, and has kept the use and shape of antique jewellery.  The triangle symbolizes the female sex.  The "worm" technique is imitated by dots.  (The "worm" technique is characteristic of Ida ou Semlal jewellery)"  This single fibula is 7 inches long and 3 7/8 inches at the widest.  $310.US.   #3 is a fibula missing its ring.  It still works nicely as a pendant.  It is similar to the pieces on page 31 of "A World of Necklaces" made from a 1875 silver 5 Franc coin from the Republique Francaise.  Morocco, Esaouira, Rif.  The coin is 1 1/2 inches across and the entire piece is 4 1/2 inches long.   $165.US.   (#2 is sold)
   COL102.   You can see a bracelet very similar to this one on page 136 of "A World of Bracelets".  The description in the book says "Saudi Arabia, Najd (Bedouin).  The bracelets with projections are solid and heavy to wear.  The twisted style might have been influenced by Celtic jewellery which was brought to Arabia by Phoenician traders in exchange for perfumes and spices."  This antique silver bracelet weighs 216.8 grams with three spiral cones, each 1 1/4 inches tall.  It fits on my wrist between hand and wristbone where it measures 6 inches around.  This is a heavy and magnificent piece.   $950.US.
   COL108.   These are richly coloured, stocky, attractive antique beads of Nigerian coral.  The colour is deeper than the photograph can show.  The bead in the preview image on the left is 15/16 inches long and 9/16 inch in diameter.  The silver spacer beads are from Ethiopia, and the central pendant is a silver kitab (which could use some cleaning) from the Moors at the border of Mauritania and Morocco.  The kitab is 1 5/8 inches tall, and the necklace is 16 inches around.   $1150.US. 
   COL109.   This is the last strand of preColumbian "bullet" beads (from the Tairona people of Colombia) that were in my personal collection for a number of years, each strand being quite different from each other.  This necklace goes around 17 1/2 inches long with preColumbian stone spacer beads.  The colours of these carnelian beads are rich, deep, and beautiful with each bead having its own character.  You can see more on page 151 of Robert Liu's book "Collectible Beads" though these are a little glossier and have more "life" to them.  According to Liu "The degree of polish and intensity of colour greatly determine the value of Tairona beads and amulets;  those that have been highly polished are considered vivo or live, while beads with a dull finish and muted colours are considered muerte or dead."   $2100.US.
   COL111.   I am selling these 8 antique Ethiopian crosses as a group.  I do sell individual ones on my "Africa" page.  The tallest cross is 2 5/8 inches tall and the smallest is 1 inch tall.  The crosses are different shapes representing different communities - you can see some descriptions in the book "Africa Adorned".   $700.US.
   COL112.   Here is a group of four antique silver rings from Mali, North Africa, each one representing the symbols on playing cards.  Starting from the left the ring sizes are:   Ring #1 - 8.5,   Ring #2 - 7,   Ring #3 - 9,   Ring #4 - 9.5.  The group of rings is sold together - $385.US.
   COL113.   These two antique Moroccan silver rings are sold together.  The larger one is a size 9, the smaller one a size 9.5.  They look terrific worn together. $225.US.
   COL114.   This ring came out of Iran - it certainly needs some polishing on the silver.  The ring has a carnelian stone as a centerpiece - it has a hole going into it so was probably a small pendant or a repolished part of a bead.  Size 8.   $110.US.
   COL116.   I believe that this is a Yemeni ring but am not sure.  All that I know is that it is very attractive and rather complex to make.  I could never wear it as it is much too large for me (size 9.5) but I had it in a display case so that I could admire it.   $175.US.
   COL117.   This is from my collection of North African rings - sold together.  The ring in the preview photo on the left is size 9.5.  The other two rings are size 7.5 and 8.  They look great worn together.   $145.US.
   COL122.   heavy 6 inch long facet Bohemian glass bead - $250.US.
   COL125.   There are 6 African silver rings here - in the book "Africa Adorned" on page 173 they say:   "Rings, pendants and hair ornaments seen in the savannah regions today have been influenced by designs that prevailed in the days of the great empires.  Not only does the jewellery resemble ornaments of the imperial courts, it often echoes the sophisticated lines of the architecture that flourished under early Islamic influence.  The collection of silver rings are worn across the savannah from Senegal to Lake Chad."  You can reference specific designs in the book.  Each one of these is different which is why I kept them as a collection, finding them over a period of time.  The 6 are sold together - the smallest is a size 10, and the largest a size 12.5.   $800.US.
   COL126.   PreColumbian beads from the master carvers, the Tairona people of Colombia.  #1 - $95.US.   #2 - $95.US.   #3 - $90.US.   #4 - $90.US.   #5 - $85.US.   #6 - $130.US.   #7 -$145.US.  (#3, #4 & #6 are sold)
   COL127.   Here are more, very fine, very delicate PreColumbian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia.  These are the only skinny ones that I have - they are quite perfect, two in crystal and two in carnelian.  #1 - $185.US.   #2 - $185.US.   #3 - $245.US.   #4 - $245.US.   (#1 & #2 are sold, #3 is on hold)
   COL129.   Antique/ancient Southeast Asian beads.  The agate #1 is 3 3/4 inches long.  It was bought in Bangkok about a dozen years ago with the crystal beads.  It is a very beautiful old example - $350.US.  Crystal bead #2 is 4 3/8 inches long though not carved exactly straight - $400.US.  Crystal bead #3 is slightly over 4 inches long - $370.US.   (#1 is sold)
   COL130.   This is a gorgeous Chinese doll with a bead stitched dress.  I don't know anything about the history of a piece like this, but fell in love with her and planned to fix the missing beads in a small spot on the front of her dress.  I am not good at delicate beadwork though so didn't persue it.  First one would have to find the appropriate vintage seed beads - there are some good sellers on-line for those - I have used "Ornamental Resources" successfully in the past , then one has to carefully repair. The doll is 6 inches tall and a very collectible piece.   $220.US.
   COL131.   This is an antique silver disc from Timor, often worn by the Atoni - some variations by men and others by women.  The disc might be attached to headwear or to a stitched piece or others attached with cords and hung around the neck.  Different designs had different symbolism as well.  This piece is a little over 4 inches across and attached to 16 1/2 inches of antique beads from the area. $400.US.
   COL133.   This is most likely a Phoenician cast lost-was bronze pendant excavated in Jordan.  Any casting would be one of a kind as the wax piece would have to be made before each casting.  It has a face on each side so is known as "janiform".  The pendant is 21mm tall (a little over 3/4 inch) and the hole is off to one side.  I would be careful if I chose to hang it to wear.  There is still some encrustation on the piece.   $275.US.
   COL136.   I bought this pair of Mona Lisa earrings in the nineties but no longer have the name of the artist.  The silver earrings are simply stamped "silver" without any signature.  I fell in love with them but never wore them as my ears can only use hook earrings, not studs.  I love the fact that each section above the portrait is made differently.  Just below the partial portraits is the word MONA.  From top of earrings to bottom is 3 inches.  $225.US.
   COL137.   These bracelets were bought back in the mid nineties.  They are charmingly made from vintage pieces.  Bracelet #1 is made from sliced pieces of dies.  Each 5/8 inch and 5/16 inch tall square is set in sterling silver.  The bracelet closes at 7 1/2 inches and was made in New Mexico.   $250.US.
Bracelet #2 is made for a traveller.  The metal suitcases (1 1/8 by 1 3/8 inches) have "stickers" put on them like in the old days when you could track where somebody had been.  The suitcase with images on them are for Coney Island, United Nations Bldg and the Empire State Bldg.  They are very charming and the bracelet closes at 7 1/4 inches.     (bracelet #2 is sold)
   COL139.  This bead was bought at one of the bead shows 10 years ago or so, I think.  It is beautifully transparent, as I do like seeing the bead hole from the outside.  It is 1 3/8 inches long and 5/8 at the thickest.  $65.US.
   COL145.   This is a beautiful hollow antique glass bead from the 1800s.  I believe they were made in Venice.  The bead is 4 5/8 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter at the widest.  $120.US.
-------------------------
A collector of African material is disposing of her collection and I have bought all of the metalwork that she had for sale.  It is very nice to be first in line and see such interesting pieces.  I have listed the most collectible pieces on this page, and then a variety of pieces on the "Africa" page.  I didn't want to fill this one up too much.  Most of the material was purchased in Montréal, Quebec in the 60s and seventies.  A Sengalese dealer would visit bringing material that was already old, so it is all pre-1950 and some of the pieces older still.
   COL150.   I initially described this as a Dogon piece from Africa but a long time collector/researsher has sent me a correction.  He informed me that this is actually a necklace from the Gond people, in Orissa (India). He had owned a similar piece that had been bought in the area where it was traditionally used.  The iron neckpiece is strung with metal (mostly brass) rings (one of them having an Indian 25 paisa coin on it), tied together with a cord so they keep a distance from each other.  The cord is old and a little loose so it has to be tied carefully if this is to be hung on the wall.  The iron has a hook and loop at the back for opening but it is very hard and would be difficult to manipulate if one tried to put this on.  It is really best used as a wall piece.  It is 8 inches across and the original piece is more than 60 yrs old.  Rings could have been added over time.  I believe this was meant for dancing.   $350.US.
   COL151.   This is a beautiful nicely engraved Dogon bracelet.  It is quite heavy as it is solid, and needs to slip over a wrist.  It is a large piece probably made for a man, measuring 2 7/8 inches by 3 inches on the inside.   $165.US.
   COL152.   A similarly styled bracelet is on page 53 of "A World of Bracelets".  This is a Frafra piece apparently symbolizing an animal.  It sits very nicely on my 6 inch wrist (would work fine up to 6 1/2 inches), measures 2 1/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening.  $165.US. 
   COL153.   The wavy line on each side of this Dogon brass bracelet represents a serpent/snake.  The python is a messenger between the spirits and the soothsayer.  This is solid and quite heavy, measuring 2 3/8 by 2 1/4 inches on the inside with an opening slightly under an inch across.  The decorations have been worn very nicely.   $165.US.
   COL154.   This little bracelet was listed as a "child's piece" but it is roughly made and might have been trade money.  the inside is a little over 1 7/8 in one direction and 1 1/2 inch in the other.  $35.US.
   COL155.   Baule beads

from the Ivory Coast were made from gold for the wealthier people.  The jewellers used the same lost wax methods to construct these brass pieces as well and here is a close-up.  There is a well illustrated book called "Gold of Africa:  Jewellery and Ornaments from Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali & Senegal" where you can see the methods as well as details of the beads.  Neckace #1 is 27 inches long and has had a clasp added to it.   Necklace #2 is 29 inches long and has had a modern brass clasp added to it.    $375.US each strand.   (both are now sold)
   COL158.   Here is a long (36 inch) necklace of a variety of brass beads including 2 bells and 2 pendants symbolizing male fertility.  $235.US.
   COL161.   Ring #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall - $45.US.   Ring #2 is 2 1/4 inches tall - $45.US.   Ring #3 is 4 5/8 inches tall - $105.US.   Ring #4 is 1 3/4 inches tall - $45.US.   (#1 & #3 are sold)

COL163.   The rings illustrated here have their sizes noted under the photos.  The photos are slightly enlarged to show their details.  Ring #1 is 1 5/8 inch from one end to the other - $48.US,  Ring #2 is slightly over 1 1/2 inches from top to bottom - $52.US,   Ring #3 is 1 7/8 inches from top to bottom - $65.US,   Ring #4 is 1 1/2 inches - $48.US,   Ring #5 is  1 1/4 inches - $65.US,   Ring #6 is 1 1/4 inches - $65.US.   (#5 is sold)
  COL164.   The rings illustrated here have their sizes noted under the photos.  The photos are slightly enlarged to show their details.  Ring #1 is 2 3/8 inches tall - $110.US.   The crossed alligators of ring #2 are 1 5/8 inches across - $95.US.   Ring #3 is "hear no evil" and 1 5/8 inches tall - $75.US.   Ring #4 is 1 7/8 inches tall - $75.US.   (#1, #2 & #4 are sold)
----------------------------------end of African collection............
   COL165.   I bought this necklace in Puebla, Mexico and love the drama of it.  The silver chain is heavy and the jeweller remade it so that preColumbian beads could be added between segments of silver.  There are 2 pendants attached with silver and four beads, one of them being preHispanic jade.  True jade.  It is the smallest brightest one.  The greenstone pendant of a standing figure/man has been framed in silver.  It is easier to see the image in real life than in the photo.  The man has his hands joined in front of his chest and you can see his legs and some toes as well.  When you turn the pendant over you can see the original stringing holes in the back.
The pendant is 1 1/2 inches tall plus hanging loop.  The chain goes around 22 1/2 inches.  The clasp seems to be stuck shut but I have never had to try opening it as the chain slips over my head.  I am sure that any jeweller could fix the clasp to work smoothly as well.  The necklace weighs 90.4grams and most of that weight is the silver so it is quite heavy.   $1050.US.
   COL167.   I believe the images at the sides of this ring are bats.  In Chinese symbolism they represent good fortune, prosperity, happiness and blessings.  They can descend from the clouds bringing blessings from heaven.  The stone in the front of this antique silver ring is carnelian, nicely polished.  The ring itself hasn't been worn for quite a long time so could use a good cleaning.  You can see that above the stone a little bit of trimming is missing.  Once the ring has a polish on it, that won't really be noticed.  I bought this ring long ago from a Tibetan dealer but don't know if it originated in Tibet or China.  size 10.5.   $145.US.
   COL168.   This is a new silver ring (shaped in an ancient style) with a piece of ancient blue chalcedony as a stone.  The stone is 5/8 inch across.  It is a size 8.5 so I always wore it on my forefinger.   $250.US.
   COL169.   This delicately fashioned ring is styled in the ancient Islamic manner with a small peak and a point at the back of the ring.  The stone is carved carnelian with an image similar to that on Ottoman coins - the signature of  Sultan Abdul -Hamid. The carnelian is 9/16 inch across.  size 7.   $155.US.
   COL173.   Here is a group of  preColumbian Tairona carnelian beads measuring 6 1/8 inches in length (enough for a bracelet).  The long tubular beads are 3/8 inch in diameter.  There is one extra bead in the middle which has cotton thread stuck in the stringing hole.  I didn't figure out how to remove it so that will be up to the new owner. $250.US.
   COL174.   I strand up a few necklaces for myself with preColumbian figural pendants but I have a favourite that I wear most of the time.  I love this one, but rarely wear it.  The Mezcala figure is a very attractive green and 1 3/4 inches tall.  The stringing hole is in the middle of his back so it hangs from side to side.  I strung it onto trade beads so that it is long enough (28 inch long cord) to simply slip over my head.  $450.US.
   COL175.   You can see very similar bracelets on page 98 of "A World of Bracelets.  The description is:  Sudan, Nubia - Most of Rashaida women's silver ornaments come either from Egypt or the Arabian peninsula, where these people first lived.  The bracelet fits my wrist which is 6 inches around but it is a rectangular shape and would be better if my wrist had been more round.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 inches across and 1 7/8 inch in the opposite direction.  The opening is 1 inch wide and has cornerless cubes at each end.  The outside of the bracelet is 3 1/16 inch across.  The bracelet has been knocked around a bit and is not totally flat, but its bumps are not very noticeable.  $250.US.
   COL176.   This Guatemalan necklace came from a collection of Central and South American items.  The central pendant is made from the traditional coins soldered together with the central coin minted in 1861.  The two birds are the divine quetzal birds, the gods of the air and  symbols of goodness and light.  A woman stands at the top.  The pendant is 3 inches tall and the bead strand is 30 inches long including the trade beads of fat red white-hearts and vaseline beads.  There are coins included as well as 2 pitchers.  Most of the chachals that I find do not have the original coins but are made with casts of the pendants.  You can find some of those on the "Americas" page.   $1200.US.
   COL177.   This is the first coral chachal (necklace) I have had - from Guatemala.  This is a wonderful piece with substantial coral beads (averaging 1/4 inch in diameter) and heavy silver beads and pendants.  This comes from a collection and I was lucky to come across it.  The necklace is 23 inches long, and the silver beads closest to the central pendant are 7/8 inch long.  The quality of this chachal is very impressive though I would restring it on new cord.  During the lives of pieces like this they are restrung over and over again - it is part of the tradition.  The coin at the bottom is 1 peso from 1896 and measures 1 1/2 inches across.   $2050.US.
   COL179.   Here is a great collection of preColumbian shell/spondylus beads and ornaments.  They could be combined to create a very memorable necklace.  The longest piece is 1 5/8 inches long, the next tubular piece is a little over 1 3/8 inches long.  There are wonderful frogs with stringing holes going through them.  These 16 piecesare a good salmon colour and originated in Peru or that area.  $850.US for the group
   COL181.   This rich red coral necklace was made in the city of Oaxaca.  In the front is a silver Yalalag cross which is 3 inches top.  There are some silver beads to accent the coral and two hands who hold the necklace shut.  The necklace is 19 1/2 inches around.  $380.US.
   COL182.   Here is a long strand of PreColumbian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia, South America.  You can read about them in "Collectible Beads" by Robert Liu.  The strand is 33 inches long so could be separated into two necklaces.  It has two gorgeous indented crystal beads which are 2 1/4 inches long.  There are some rich carnelians on the strand and a carnelian gusano in the front 1 1/8 inches long and 5/8 inch thick.  The strand includes crystal, carnelian and greenstone.  $1850.US.
   COL183.   Hand drilled crystal beads are among my favourites as their transparency lets me see the funnel shaped holes made from each end, meeting in the middle.  These are becoming very rare so when I find them in an old collection I am always happy.  The beads are preColumbian and from the Tairona people of Colombia.  (check in "Collectible Beads")  They were very skilled bead-makers, sculptors and artists.  The necklace is 21 inches long with a 15/16 inch long pendant at the front.  The longest tubular bead is 1 3/8 inches long and 3/8 inch in diameter.  $1800.US.
   COL186.   This is an amazing silver Lingham holder from India.  The fat square chain is just incredible and the entire piece weighs more than a pound.  You can see the more average smaller ones on page 236 of "A World of Necklaces".  They have images of the stones called Linghams (silver, crystal, agate, etc.) as well.  This one is empty so the new owner has to choose what it encloses.  The decorative bottoms (as you can see in the preview photo on the left) symbolize the horns of the bull Nandi or Nandin.  According to "Traditional Jewelry of India" "the bull was Shiva's bullmount and Basava, the sect founder.  In Hindu mythology, Basava is the lord of cattle and men and protects all his devotees against evil."  The lingham is used in meditation.  You need a strong neck for this one - the chain is 27 1/2 inches long and more than 1/4 inch square.  The lingham (which opens by sliding the top part up) is 3 7/8 inches wide - the outer edges of the bottom decoration are 4 1/4 inches across.  This is quite wonderful!  $1800.US.
   COL188.   What a wonderful necklace.  I haven't found references to ones like this yet but am enchanted by it.  The chain (which closes with a hook holding a jade pendant) on the side of the necklace - not at the back - is 23 inches long.  It has sculptural pieces attached to it including 3 dimensional boxes and hassock shaped bells.  There is a pail shaped piece next to an oval one.  The silverwork on this is excellent and including two jade pieces is a treat.  The pendant on the hook is 3/4 inch long and the teardrop is 1/2 inch long.  This is absolutely charming.  $1100.US.
   COL189.   This is from my own collection.   I rarely wear crosses but love the Ethiopian ones so strung a necklaces using the red whitehearts whish is typical for me.  White hearts and silver is one of my favourite combinations.  The nine antique silver crosses go all around the neck.  The necklace is 16 1/2 inches around.  The cross in the middle (front) is 1 3/4 inches tall.  These have all been smoothed by being touched over time.  The silver beads at each side of the hanging loops are from Ethiopia as well.  $1350.US.
   COL190.   This 16 1/2 inch long necklace includes 5 faience ancient Egyptian amulets that I bought in the early 1990s from a bead collection.  The largest Wedjet eye bead/amulet (source of protection, strength and perfection) on the left is 7/8 inch across at the widest at the top.  It represents the eye that Seth tore from Horus during a battle.  There are three tiny ones in delicate colours as well as one representing Bes (the protector of women and children) which is 9/16 inches tall.   If I would restring this, I would use a quiet colour instead of these multicoloured ancient Roman or Islamic glass beads.  A simple grey or beige...  as these are distracting.  Everything is up to the new owner though.   $550.US.
   COL192.   I collected these milagros during visits to Mexican flea/antique markets.  They are the older traditional hand made silver pieces rather than the machine made milagros that are used these days, and that you can buy quite easily.  Each one of these was made for a particular wish or statement of thanks.  If you check this enlargement

orishas act as protectors of the people and all have specific powers and directions to their lives.  Many dances and celebrations are involved including the dances of the  Baba Egum.
The statue Iansa illustrated here is the Orisha of storms, thunder, lightning and wind.  She lives at the gate of the graveyard and looks over the dead.  Because of the blend of religious traditions in the new world and the introduction of Catholicism she became associated with Saint Barbara.  I am not sure what material the piece is made from - it has been beautifully and richly painted and is in a graceful pose.  This statue was originally brought from Brazil by a dealer/collector and I have had the statues for about 15 years.   $225.US.
  

  

orishas act as protectors of the people and all have specific powers and directions to their lives.  Many dances and celebrations are involved including the dances of the Baba Egum.
Oxum is the Orixá of love, beauty, maternity and wealth.  She is beautiful and captivates those who see her.  She is covered in gold and with her love and protection of waterways has over time became a mermaid.  She carries a mirror and a comb to maintain her beauty.  In the mix of Candomblé and Catholicism she also represents La Caridad del Cobre, Señora de la Conception.  This was bought in Brazil by a dealer/collector and I have had it for about 15 years.  It is quite heavy and shipping will cost more than usual.   $195.US.
   COL197.   This necklace is a vintage one (bought in the 1980s) from Ixtapa, Guerrero, Mexico.  This is sterling silver (as marked) with preColumbian images in each piece with a background of abalone shell.  The colours of the shell are rich with shots of green and pink/purple.  The necklace weighs 65.9 grams so has the weight to sit nicely.  The inside of the necklace is 17 1/4 inches around.  Each "flag" is 7/8 inches tall.  The piece is firmly closed with a loop at the back.  The necklace hasn't been buffed for a while so could use a light polishing.  I have forgotten who the jeweller is and the stamp is not very clear but this is a traditional style for the company.   $365.US.
   COL199.   This is a rather stupendous necklace with beads and an amulet from Afghanistan.  (to see it full size click here)  It is strung on a leather cord which can be easily untied.  I did that so that I could easily wear it at different lengths by taking beads off or adding them on again.   The amulet is 4 1/8 inch across and the necklace goes around  26 inches so that it can be slipped over the head.  Most of the beads are typical double beads.   $1150.US.
   COL200.   This necklace is too large for me to wear but with a little bit of bravery and the right outfit beneath, it could look pretty great.  The beads are still on the same white string as when I bought them.  The strand weighs 345 grams/12.2 ounces so is quite heavy.  The central pendant (with some pieces of red glass on it) is a bit over 2 1/4 inches tall.  The beads go around 27 1/2 inches and look quite stupendous.  The larger bead on one side of the pendant is 1 5/8 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  These are antique silver beads from Afghanistan with attractive signs of wear between the worn decorations and mild bumps here and there.   $1,340.US.

  COL205.     This gorgeous bracelet is from the Golden Triangle most likely worn by the Hmong or Yao.  The bracelet has been hammered from solid silver so that it has six sides.  It has an intricate and graceful design engraved into it with crosshatch and flowers.  This is an old traditional piece made and sold within the society.  The bracelet is 2 3/8 by 1 7/8 inches across on the inside.  The opening is 1 inch across.  It hangs below my wrist over my hand.   $350.US.
  COL206.   This is the last of a group of Ethiopian crosses that I kept from my own collection.  I had a good variety of old pieces all made of good silver.  The largest cross is 3 7/8 inches tall, plain on the back and attractive cross hatching on the front.  The loop is the original one, nicely worn but still good and strong for wear.  The next largest cross is made of tubular shapes of solid silver.  The original hanging loop is quite worn if you examine the photo - It would work fine if the cord going through it is the same size as the hole.  If the cord is smaller than the hole I would suggest putting a slice of tubular metal inside the hole, or even a lining of leather so that the wear doesn't continue.  I rarely see the original old ones for sale any more, mainly copies.  These are all very attractive.  (109 grams)   $545.US for the group 
  COL207.   I bought this years ago to store some of my special beads in.  It was made in China a long time ago to be used as an iron for fabrics.  I don't know what the blackened metal is that the main part was made from but it is quite heavy.  It is decorated in a relief pattern very nicely and the extension of the handle is a graceful carving of a Chinese Buddha.  I believe it is made of bone (not ivory) and it did have some extension from the top of his head.  That is long gone and there is just some wood showing.  That has never bothered me as it has always sat with the handle pointing away a little so not noticeable.  Some cap could easily be made though.  The piece is 9 1/2 inches across and 3 1/2 inches at the tallest.  $225.US. 
  COL208.   These gorgeous three birds inspired by the ptarmigan sit on pieces of caribou antlers and were made by an Inuit artist from Nunavut, Canada.  I don't know the name of the artist and there is only a simply signature on the bottom of the larger piece.  These are beautifully skilled pieces made from the natural materials of the North.  The pieces that the birds sit on have identities too - the single bird sits on what looks like the face of a wolf.  The longer piece of antler has a face that reminds me of the polar bear.  There are always stories and tales that go with the art but they would have to be researched by the new owner.  I simply had these pieces sitting where I could enjoy them...  The height of the single bird is 6 inches (including the base).  The colours are creamy with changes that are intriguing, and look at those beautiful eyes...     $420.US.   

COL210.   This traditional form of painting on the back of a piece of glass (reverse glass) is called "fixe" in Senegal.  I bought this Sufi painting around 1980 from a former collection and have long forgotten the story portrayed - they are often of miracles.  It will be for the new owner to research.  The colours are rich and deep and the gold parts fairly glow.  It is a beautiful and mysterious scene.  The painting is framed in wood 5 3/4 by 11 1/4 inches in size.  I can't make out the signature.  There is an illustrated book which was published in 1994 on this type of work called "Senegal Behind Glass" by Anne-Marie Bouttiaux.  I haven't seen the book but did hear that the illustrations are excellent.   $400.US. 

I HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO ACQUIRE A COLLECTION OF PRE-HISPANIC - PRE-COLUMBIAN TAIRONA BEADS FROM COLOMBIA - here are some strands - I hope to add some more before the end of July (all are much more attractive in real life):  
   COL211.   There are two strands here, both with carnelian pendants at the front, bullet beads and pendant beads...   Strand #1 has no clasp on it as I replaced a broken bead with a crystal one.  It is 15 1/2 inches long and has a crystal central bead - I wonder if it represents an arm?  The central beads are very collectible and constantly more difficult to acquire at a reasonable price.  $700.US.    Strand #2 is strung as a necklace.  I don't trust the stringing though and would re-do it properly (not on fishing line) before wearing it.  The strand is 17 1/2 inches long and the longest pendant bead is more than 1 1/4 inches long.  The fattest bead in the strand is 5/8 inches in diameter.  $750.US.
   COL212.   This 21 1/2 inch long necklace is a group of heavy preColumbian made up of hardstones like jasper, bloodstone and carnelian.  The central bead is slightly under 1 5/8 inches across and 3/4 inch in diameter.  There is a sand coloured bead to one side with old damage to it, so I am including an extra bead (you can see it in the photo) if you choose to remove it.  Three of the carnelian pendants are "bullet" beads, and one is a pendant in the same shape.  $750.US.
   COL213.   This is a very heavy very sold 22 1/2 inch long strand of preColumbian beads from the master beadmakers, the Tairona people of Colombia.  The strand contains a variety of hardstones which are very difficult to carve and perfect into these attractive tubulars.  I would re-do this as a necklace though as I don't trust the strength of the current (fishing line) stringing material.  The central bead is 2 7/8 inches long and just under 3/4 inch in diameter.   The strand is very impressive.   $650.US.
   COL214.   This necklace is for a small neck as it measures 16 inches around with a 2 inch long greenstone pendant.  There is a nice variety of small polished beads on the strand.  $450.US.
   COL215.   Here is a long extravagant strand of preColumbian - preHispanic carnelian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia, South America.  They were bead masters, creating interesting shapes based on tradition, cutting, shaping, smoothing, polishing in a great way.  The strand is about 29 inches long so could be shared between two necklaces.  There is an interesting group of sizes and shapes of beads including tubulars, "bullet" beads (6), various pendants, frogs (3), larvae (7), etc.  The pendant on the strand is 1 1/2 inches long.  This is much more attractive in real life when the carnelian shows its sheen.  A very collectible strand.  $1600.US.
   COL232.  This strand of preColumbian - preHispanic beads created by the Tairona (Tayrona) people of Colombia, South America is very heavy.  The largest bead is 3 1/8 inches long.  The entire strand is an amazing 31 inches long.  These are mostly bloodstone, a richly patterned, mottled selection.  A number of the beads have very old damage at the ends that have been smoothed over long ago.  They give a touch of age and history to the group.  Because of hand drilling very hard stones, the drill holes are a good size at the ends of the beads but have very small holes in the center of the beads.   These are very impressive...   $700.US.
   COL233.   This strand of preColumbian - preHispanic beads from the Tairona (Tayrona) people of Colombia, South America consists of carnelian and a shell centerpiece.  It might need some additional beads to be a full length necklace as it is 15 1/2 inches around.  It definitely needs a clasp and that will extend it a little.  The shell pendant is a little over an inch tall.  $310.US.

   COL217.   I fell in love with the antique glass marble beads (often made in Germany) the first time that I saw them.  The shiny new copies have no comparison to these old ones where you can see the evidence of being made by hand.  None of these marble beads are perfect but they are lovely no matter what.  The bead on the left has some tiny air bubbles trapped inside and the slightest crease on the surface.  The second bead has a matte surface (from wear) on parts of the exterior.  The third bead has a deeper crease going around 1/3 or so at one end, and a couple of very very tiny pits.  Bead number four has a few tiny tiny spots on the surface too.  These are very small issues.  They are strung with 6 layer chevrons from the Africa trade.  The clasp is sterling silver.  The necklace extends 16 inches around.   $850.US.
   COL218.   I made this necklace over a dozen years ago and still consider it pretty perfect.  The necklace goes around 15 1/2 inches with an antique Yalalag (Zapotec) cross as the focal point.  The cross measures 4 1/8 inches from the top of the hanging loop to the bottom of the central pendant.  The upside down pieces on the pendants are pomegranates - one doesn't see those very often.  The necklace is made of antique red white-heart trade beadsoriginating in Venice.  $900.US.
   COL220.   Here is a long strand of antique Nigerian coral beads - 39 inches around in total.  The silver beads at the back were brought out of Ethiopia.  The necklace weighs 91.8grams and the nicely carved central bead is 1 3/8 inches across.  It is very difficult finding the old African coral anymore as much has been sold to SouthEast Asia where they have a renewed desire.   $1450.US.
   COL221.   This 28 inch strand (fairly heavy) of antique glass beads is very evocative of the area where most of the beads originated.  The yellow beads are from Irian Jaya - the melon shapes were used in bridal purchases.  The central bead (3/4+ inch in diameter) is an East Java millefiori glass bead known as a Jatim bead. 

   COL222.   Here is a lovely silver antique spirit lock with a fine decoration cut into the front, made by the Hmong people.  This helps to assist the soul or the spirit to stay linked to the body and the spirits of the earth.  You can see the difference in how the new ones are made (usually cast) as the evidence of the long hammering to shape them is quite clear in this piece.  I love the shape of this one with its wide flare.  The spirit lock is 2 7/8 inches tall, and 2 1/2 inches wide at the bottom.  The chain is 14 inches long, and the entire piece is 16 inches around.  There are few of these genuine old pieces around any more.   $950.US.
   COL223.   This is a very heavy dramatic silver antique spirit lock from the Hmong people of the Golden Triangle.  (There are some illustrations of a mixed group in the book "Peoples of the Golden Triangle" by Lewis).   This lock has been obviously hammered into shape in the traditional way and decorated with points and lines.  The graceful arms have the pattern extending along them (though a little worn in places) and have dips where the hanging rings sit.  Like my other old pieces of silver, this could use a light cleaning to bring out the gleam of the silver.  The lock is 2 5/16 inches tall and 3 5/8 inches wide at the arms.  The chain is 12 inches long and when worn it goes 15 1/2 inches around so you need a slender neck for a close fit.  Of course the chain can be replaced by the new owner by a longer one if needed.   $1150.US.
   COL224.   This is a lovely 3 dimensional lion pendant from China - originally made to be worn by a child.  I cut the chain in the back (it was meant to slip over the head) and added a silver "S" hook so that I could wear it.  The necklace goes 19 inches around and the lion is a little over 2 inches wide.  The coins are 5/8 inch across and date between 1900 and 1906 with portraits of Queen Victoria on one side.  There is Chinese script on the other side with the city Hong Kong as well.   The necklace could certainly use a cleaning - it has been sitting in the air and has tarnished.   $450.US.
   COL225.   This is a treasure consisting of an ancient Tibetan chung dzi bead strung onto a strand of ancient pyu beads (green chalcedony) from Burma.   These beads are worn to promote positive spiritual benefits in a very protective way.   The pyu strand is 17 inches long with the longest tubular bead being 1 7/8 inches long.  There is a nice variety of beads on it, some with a sculptural shape.  The dzi bead is 1 3/4 inches long, slightly flatter on one side, 2 small markings, and beautifully done in a quiet and reflective way.  The necklace is not currently for sale but will likely be some time in a few years.
   COL226.   This is a sweet little (1 5/8 inches across) Navajo arrow pin adorned with an eagle.  I bought this in the 1980s - it was probably made in the 1950s.  $85.US.
   COL236.   These came from the collection of a long time dealer.  Dealers are often selling one thing to buy something else so their collections are constantly changing.  This is an unusual combination of beads suspending this antique Tuareg amulet.  The amulet is both simple and charming made of a grey metal with a diamond shaped silver piece.  You can see the hammering marks while the piece was being shaped and the edges being curled over to keep the hollow piece closed and whatever is inside is safe.  The amulet is 3 5/8 inches tall and the widest part at the bottom is 3 1/4 inches across.  There are 6 antique Venetian made "ghost beads" on the strand.  They were actually floral images but look more like a rather mystical ghost.  They average a little over 5/8 inch in length and are in excellent condition.  The strand of metal beads (I don't know the silver content) have been highly polished.  I wish that they had remained patinated, but they will change colour again if they are in the air.  There are 27 inches of beads so the piece can just be slipped over your head.  $445.US.  
  COL237.   Here is a gorgeous pair of antique silver ear plugs that were brought out of Burma.  A similar one is illustrated on page 234 of the enormously valuable book "A World of Earrings".  The description says:  "Golden Triangle, frontier region between Burma and China (Sha, Padaung and Akeu)  Silver.  Equipped with a long tuber for insertion, and decorated in repoussé, these ornaments perpetuate the tradition of the buttons of ancient India, and those dating from the Pagan period in Burma."  These plugs measure 1 7/8 in diameter and could actually be used as some kind of button on clothing.  These were in the collection of a long time dealer.   $155.US for the pair
  COL239.  This bracelet is also from the collection of a long time collector.  This antique silver belled bracelet was bought in Timor quite a few years ago.  The inner measurements of the bracelet are 2 3/8 inches by 1 5/8 inches with a 1 3/16 inch wide opening.  The largest bell in the center is more than 5/8 inch across.  They jingle while walking.  These bracelets were not always worn on the wrist but held with the fingers while dancing.  There is a cotton cord wrapped tightly around one of the bells - I don't know what it might be hiding or if it simply added a colour (now faded) to decorate the piece.   $325.US. 

   COL244.   Here are a nice collection of pieces - beginning with a strand of spondylus beads most likely from the Oaxaca area.  The 6 squarish beads near the pendant are shaped like frogs/ranas.  Frogs or toads could help access the gods.  The pendant itself is Mezcala portraying a man with hands folded over his chest lying on his petate.   His eyes are closed.  There are 17 inches of spondylus beads and the pendant itself is  1 3/4 inches tall.  This could be made into a great wearable piece.  $850.US.
   COL245.   Here are five tubular preColumbian beads of varying stones from the Chiapas area.  They came from the a Oaxacan collector who had bought them decades ago.  Bead #1 is a 1 3/4 inch long crystal beads that was once longer but is now rough at the broken end.  It would have been wonderful whole but still has the magic of crystal. $50.US.    Bead #2 is a little more than 2 1/2 inches long $140.US.   Bead #3 is slightly under 3 inches long.  $165.US.    Bead #4 is slightly under 3 inches long.  $165.US.    Bead #5 is 2 3/8 inches long and has double stringing holes at each end.  $150.US.   (#1, #3 & #4 are sold)
   COL246.   Three preHispanic pendants are sitting here - each very different.  The first pendant #1 is carved as a cricket with beautiful detail.  It is just 7/8 inches tall and will look beautiful sitting at the base of the neck.  I think that crickets bring good luck.  This is a very collectible piece made of Chiapas jade.   Pendant #2 is similar to one that I had from Morelos.  It is 1 3/8 inches tall with lines swirling around it.  $85.US.   Pendant #3 is a Guerrero face pendant - quite a simple one with a stringing hole in the head.  $45.US.   (#1 & #3 are sold) 
   COL247.   Here are some preColumbian beads that I have never had before.  They were in the collection of the lover of preHispanic items who lived in Oaxaca.  I don't know where they originated.  The beads are made of clay and traced with swirls and some the tubular ones are broken.  Even broken they look natural and magical.  If you check this enlargement you will see the complex figures between those beads.  These beads were a total surprise to me and I never had enough time to visit el Museo Nacional de Antropología and do any research.  Both strands are very similar to each other, but each has a very different pendant.  Strand #1 is 25 inches long with an image of a seashell as a pendant.  $650.US.    Strand #2 is 21 inches long and has an image of a face as a pendant.  $650.US.
   COL249.  

  This is a delicately made pendant with a few secrets to it.  The entire piece is 6 3/8 inches tall with a highly decorated gourd in the center.  The gourd is 2 7/8 inches wide and secret #1 is that the handle or stem screws off.  The gourd can move freely in its enclosure and below it hangs a pendant with a carnelian still below - and small pendants.  Secret #2 is that sitting above the gourd is a tiny mouse with a curled tail.  I didn't notice it the first time that I looked at this piece.  This also could use a polishing to bring up the depth of the silver.  Very lovely - $285.US. 
   COL252.  This necklace was bought by a collector through the Bellevue Art Museum many years ago...  It is known as a "wedding necklace" from the south of México.  There are 17 strands of molded glass beads (most likely traded from Bohemia) in various sizes.  There are some lovely small Venetian swirled glass beads that were generally traded into South America, some Russian blues, and other antique beads.  The necklace includes 6 religious medallions including some for the Virgin of Guadalupe.  There is also a very worn silver coin from Spain - I can't read the date.  The beads go around 17 inches and have cords to tie them shut (carefully please so that they can't slip off).  They look gorgeous piled up around the neck.   $1200.US.

   COL256.   I have always loved melon beads being absolutely bequiled by their shape.  There is a very similar strand on page 92 of "Collectible Beads" by Robert Liu (a valuable book worth having in your library).  The quote below the photo is:  "Glass beads from Irian Jaya (the Indonesian portion of New Guinea) are most likely Chinese, although few such beads have ever been found in the People's Republic of China.  These beads are supposedly used in bride purchases."  There are 18 inches of beads on this strand averaging 3/4 to 7/8 inch in length.  $975.US.
   COL257.   These antique Indo-Pacific "manik manik" Jatim beads from Indonesia are an unusual shape with slightly indented sides.  The strand is 21 inches long with the largest bead 3/4 inch round.  They show wear from use along the ridges and some have air bubbles left over from manufacture.  This is an interesting and unusually shaped strand.   $850.US.
   COL259.   Here are two strands of ancient glazed crystal beads that came out of the area of Afghanistan/Iran.  They became a part of the collection over a decade ago.  The beads would have once been the colour of lapis but the surface has worn down over many years.  Strand #1 is 18 3/4 inches long with pendant beads that are over 7/8 inches long.   Strand #2 is 19 inches long.   $650.US/each strand   (#2 is sold)
   COL261.   These two strands of beads are quite rare to come across.  Made in India (vintage), the beads are cornerless cubes made of pitch and then covered with folded and soldered thin sheet silver.  The pitch is solid and causes them to be quite heavy - Strand #1 is 16 inches long and weighs 166.9grams.   Strand #2 is 17 1/2 inches long and weighs 172.4grams.  The beads average 7/8 inch across in diameter.  When laid on the table for the photo they sat flat - but when worn they turn as well.  You can see one turned on the edge in the preview picture on the left.   These are a very unusual treat.  The strands are  $350.US/each.
   COL263.   This is a wonderful strand of ancient faience beads in largely

from the area of Iran/Afghanistan.  You can see a few related ones on page 105 of the essential book "Collectible Beads" by Robert Liu.  On page 110 the author says  "The first synthetic material, faience was used almost entirely for non-utilitarian objects, much of it for personal adornment.  It was developed primarily in the advanced ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, and the Aegean to a lesser degree."  He also states "Apparently all early faience and glass coloured by cobalt colored by cobalt were derived from cobalt-bearing silver ores from Saxony."  This strand is a little over 19 inches long with a very large central bead measuring slightly over an inch in diameter.  These are very beautiful beads and very collectible.  Faience is also quite delicate so if this is to be made into a necklace the beads should be protected so that they do not rub against each other.  Worn with care please to keep these museum quality pieces intact.   $1400.US.
   COL266.   There are two strands of ancient lapis lazuli beads here - a really nice size and deep colour.  It was impossible though, for me to take an accurate photo of the strand - all I can is - that it is much nicer than the picture portrays.  The strands also have a silky smoothless to them created through their long life.  The beads are dark in colour but have different shades to them that show up most when in full light.  The beads came out of Afghanistan.  Robert Liu (in the invaluable book "Collectible Beads") says:  "Lapis, and to a lesser degree, turquoise were much valued beadmaking materials on the Iranian plateau in the third millennium.  Its trade and technology have been well detailed..."  Strand #1 is a little over 22 inches long with the cornerless cube central bead measuring 7/8 across from corner to corner.  Some of the beads have round indentations drilled into them.  $800.US.   Strand #2 is 21 1/2 inches long.  The longest diameter of the central bead is 7/8 inches long.  $750.US.   (#1 is sold)
   COL268.   These beads are patterned after ancient glass ones from Thailand known as Ban Chiang beads.  These are very attractive vintage beads, one strand shaped into fat ovals (16 1/4 inches long) and the other faceted hexagonal bicones (15 1/4 inches long).   The two strands are strung together into a fairly heavy necklace that ties shut. $400.US.
   COL269.   What a gorgeous strand of ancient spindle whorls cut from stone!  These are most likely Roman and have very attrative incised designs, each whorl different than each other.  This weighty strand is 18 1/2 inches long.  The narrow beads at the very front that face each other are slightly over 1 inch in diameter.  You can check the carved designs on this enlargement.  What history this strand contains - all now a secret...   $850.US.
   COL271.   This natural coral necklace was bought by the collector in an antique store in Australia.  It has already travelled around the world.  The necklace is 23 inches around and adorned with 19 silver quarter rupees from India.  The coins date from 1940 to 1945 and have a portrait of King George VI on the other side, the last Emperor of India.  The coral is a beautiful colour, more attractive than in the photo.  Click here for another image.  $650.US. 
   COL273.   These bracelets were bought by the collector in Laos about a dozen years ago.  As he recalls he did quite a lot of buying in the NorthEast area near the Vietnam border.  These are all very attractive traditional silver antique pieces that were both worn and traded.  The pieces are hand worked with a lot of hammering and annealing.  The book that I am referencing is "A World of Bracelets" by Anne Van Cutsem.  Bracelet #1 in the photo is described as coming from the Golden Triangle (p.266) - the area that includes the north of Thailand, Burma and Laos. This bracelet has a beautiful herringbone style design around it and has a decorative pattern on the twirling of silver.  It measures 2 1/4 inches by 2 3/16 inches across on the inside and your hand needs to be able to slip inside.  $325.US.   Bracelet #2 in the photo is shown on page 271 "The bracelets with the flattened ends are Yao and Hmong." The piece is beautifully hammered with an intricate design.  It is 2 1/3 inches by 2 inches across on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening.  The ends of the bracelet by the opening are 3/4 inches tall.  $280.US.   Bracelet #3 in the photo is illustrated on page 267 although this one is more substantial and strongly shows the hammering marks.  That really highlights the bracelet.  This is 2 1/2 inches across on the inside and needs to be able to be slipped on.  It is quite heavy at 145.6 grams.  I rarely see genuine ones of this style, more often contemporary copies so this is a real treat.  $325.US.   A bracelet similar to Bracelet # 4 is shown at the bottom of page 272.  The author of the book says "Golden Triangle (Wa and Lawa)  The spiral represents the repetitive rhythms of life and the being's permanence over the transience of change."  The bracelet is 2 3/8 inches by 2 1/2 inches across on the inside and stands 1 inch tall.  The old ones like this are very beautiful though it could use a little buffing to brighten it up.  $350.US.   (#4 is on hold)
   COL274.   This necklace was bought by the collector in Laos along the Chinese border.  The chain is 26 inches around and has a worn 3/4 inch wide coin at the back which is "Indo Chine Francaise."  The large coin (1 1/2 inch across) is Chinese and says "one dollar" one one side and is Chinese script and decoration on the other side.  A tool kit hangs from the coin with hammered and nicely decorated pieces.  From the top of the coin to the bottom of the tools it is 7 3/4 inches tall.  When I put it on (I am a little more than 5'7" tall) it hangs to just below my waist.  The piece is quite heavy as well, and very collectible.  $445.US.
   COL275.   This is a lovely, very beautifully made, large size ring from Thailand.  A very similar one is illustrated on page 172 of "A World of Rings" (this is a valuable book to have on the shelf) where the author says:  "Thailand (Akha and Mao)  The Akha sometimes wear rings like those above on their belt."  The ring is a size 11.5 and has a diagonal slice across the back.  $85.US.
   COL280.   This is a very heavy strand of ancient stone beads or spinning whorls from the collection of James Lankton, the creator of the Bead Timeline.  The strand is 23 inches long with the bead in the middle of the front being 1 inch wide and a little over 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  The largest diameter bead on the strand is 1 3/8 inches across.  The stone is a nice creamy colour and except for the darker central bead, looks like quartz or alabaster.  They were noted as being Egyptian and being quite rare.   $800.US.
   COL283.   This strand of beads comes from an old collection.  It is a mix of ancient facet carnelians with faience beads.  The strand is 22 inches long plus a 1 inch long pendant.  The carnelian beads are 5/8 to 7/8 inches long and the faience beads are tied in groups of four with little spacer beads in-between.  The colours together are unusual and attractive.   $260.US.
   COL284.   This is an absolutely gorgeous powerful necklace featuring Yalalag crosses from the State of Oaxaca in México.  The collector who owned it re-strung the necklace using 3 strands of natural, richly coloured coral as the necklace itself.  The necklace is 21 inches around.  The central Yalalag cross is 4 1/2 inches long.  The four other crosses average 3 inches in length.  There are 3 coins on the necklace, both silver 5 centavos and 10 centavos.  This is a modernized version of the typical...  the Yalalag cross originated in San Juan Yalalag in the mountains 200km east of the city of Oaxaca.   It has been manufactured there since the 16th century.  You can read more in the gem of a book  "Mexican Jewelry" by Davis and Pack.
   COL285.   Here is a necklace with an interesting mix of components from the collection of James Lankton, a valuable bead researcher and the creator of the Bead Timeline.  The strand is a mix of antique carnelian beads, vintage blue glass Prosser beads, Sherpa coral (glass imitation of coral) and silver beads.  The necklace is 30 inches long with a 5 inch long pendant in the front.  A hollow tube patterned with trains and boats and a castle is made of brass and 2 3/4 inches long, 1 inch in diameter.  The pendant has a top on it but is hollow at the bottom.  I think that it needs some research on where it originated.   $320.US.
   COL286.   This necklace made of red whiteheart Venetian trade beads and 11 antique, collectible, Ethiopian crosses is from my own collection.  I collected the smallest crosses that I could find to put this together.  The necklace is 16 1/2 inches around and closes with a silver "S" hook.  The longest cross is the swinging one in the front, 1 3/4 inches long.  The shortest cross is 7/8 inches tall.  They sit nicely and comfortably around the neck. These all complement each other in a very graceful way.   $950.US.
   COL287.   Here are six gorgeous Nueva Cadiz beads (manufactured in Venice) traded into Peru - real antique ones brought in during early trade (not the later copies).    In this strand are also 12 tiny Venetian six and seven layer 16th century chevrons that had been traded into South America and were closely associated with the Nueva Cadiz.  These chevrons have been ground with sharp angles in the tradional way.   The rest of the beads are spondylus with some white shell dividers.  The entire strand is 25 inches around.  The pendant is 2 inches long with the shell piece at the bottom measuring 7/8 inch by 1 1/8 inch.  The Nueva Cadiz beads near the front of the necklace are 1 7/8 inches long.  This is an excellent example of early trade beads.   $950.US.

   COL290.   Here is a group of preColumbian shell beads found in central México.  They date to 400 plus years ago and are part of the former collection of Dr. Heflin who collected for 14 years from 1947 to 1962.  A number of the beads are marked with where they were found

.  This is a great group for a serious collector.  The strand is 18 inches long.  The longest pendant is 2 inches long.    $275.US.
   COL294.   This is a heavy (59.1 grams), beautiful, antique Tibetan stamp seal.  This is over 100 years old and has some nice smoothing from being handled over time.  The piece is 1 7/8 inches tall and the bottom is 5/8 inch in diameter.  I am not familiar with the images on the stamp seals so I cannot say what this represents.  This can hang very nicely as a pendant.   $410.US.
   COL295.   This antique Tibetan stamp seal has its stringing hole in the middle and has a different pattern on each end.  One end is squared and the other round with the rounded one being the heavier one when it is suspended. 

   COL296.   This antique silver dragon bracelet originated in the area of the Golden Triangle.  You can see some other examples on page 273 of the authoratative book "The World of Bracelets" by Anne van Cutsem.  The author says:  "Yao and Hmong.  Centuries ago the Yao borrowed the dragon design from Yunnan, but stylized and flattened it...  They evoke the primordial ancestor Panhu, a dragon-dog man."  This is a very old piece which was once highly decorated with fine lined images.  Much of them have been worn smooth over the years with the still visible ones trailing from the head of the dragon.  The inner opening of the bracelet is 2 1/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches with a 7/8 inch wide opening.  The outer width of the bracelet is 3 inches at the widest.  It needs a slim wrist to slip it on.   $650.US.
   COL299.   This is an amulet case (boyun tumar) necklace from Tashkent, Uzbeks that came from the collection of James Lankton the bead collector and researcher.  You can see one with the same type of construction on page 218 of  "Jewellery from the Orient:  Treasures of the Bir Collection".   You can see that the amulet case opens on one side to insert verses from the first sura of the Koran.  This antique piece (1800s) has missing blue glass beads but that is typical as they are only pasted in.  The case is 5 inches wide and 3/8 inch thick at the thickest.  It is made of silver and has a gold wash on it.  The back of the pendant is the same as the front including the same enamel work and beads.  $700.US.
   COL300.   Here is another antique (1800s) amulet case from the same area as the one above, also from the collection of James Lankton.  This amulet pendant is also made the same on the front as on the back.  It is 3 1/2 inches wide and has an opening on one side.  There is one dangle missing but a creative addition could be strung on it.  This is a very collectible piece, made of silver, goldwashed and enamelled.  $450.US.
   COL301.  This is a rather wonderful Tairona/Sinu stone pectoral from Colombia.   These are very collectible.  Although there are stringing holes they are very difficult to wear being heavy and wide.  This pectoral is 11 1/4 inches wide, made of greenstone, and has stringing holes across the top.  The thickest part near the center of the pendant is a little under 1/2 inch thick.  There is a round spot on one side which is probably where something came into contact with it during burial.  As is often the case, one side is a little wider than the other side - there is some symbolism to that.   $850.US.
   COL304.   This necklace also came from a collection that I have bought from in the past.  The necklace is 26 inches around and closed with a sterling silver clasp.  2 5/8 inches of the necklace is black glass beads, an inch to each side is red whiteheart trade beads and the rest are natural coral.  The 36 coins are from Guatemala and range from 1/4 reales to 2 reales and pretty well from the years 1886 to 1905.  There are 3 cast silver hands (dijes) on the necklace as well as one lacy bead and one traditional pomegranate.  This is a traditional style from the south of México and Guatemala.  Ready to wear.  $950.US.
   COL305.   I was very happy to find these antique sterling silver reliquaries bought from a long standing collection in Mexico City.  There is an excellent book on them called "Relicarios:  Devotional Miniatures from the Americas" by Martha J. Egan.  Relicary #1 is an unusual square frame (a little over 1 1/2 inches square plus hanging loop) with a hand in each corner.  The painting of the angel is done on a piece of shell.  There had been a sticker on the back with the collector's code number but just a little needs to be cleaned off.  It stands almost 1/4 inch tall.   $275.US.    Relicary #2 is a lovely large oval with the painting of the saint done onto metal.  It is 2 5/8 inches tall plus the hanging loop and slightly over 2 inches wide.  The back is framed differently than the front.   $285.US.
   COL306.  

COL308.   Spirit locks like these were often used as counterweights for torques in the area of the Golden Triangle.  We are much more comfortable though, using the spirit lock as a pendant in a necklace so that it faces forward rather than hanging on a back.  A quote from the author of the book "A World of Necklaces" is:  "The idea that jewellery can keep the soul in the body is characteristic of symbolic thinking which puts metaphorical value on material and shapes."  This is an antique silver piece that has been hammered and worked into the shape of the pendant with the extended arms and final spiral.  You can see the wear on the arms created by the attachment.  Each arm was made a little different than the other - this piece has quite a personality with the delicate hammered designs as well.  This was bought by the collector on one of his many trips into the area.   The widest part of the spirit lock is 4 3/8 inches wide and 2 1/2 inches at the tallest.  $385.US.
   COL309.  

   COL310.   This Lovely necklace is from Morocco, a vintage enamelled silver piece based on the traditional forms of decoration.  This is a jewellery store piece rather than an ethnographic or tribal piece but it carries the beauty and history along with it.  It clasps easily and being 16 inches around on the inside, sits nicely at the base of the neck.  One needs a slim or slim/med neck for it to sit most comfortably.  The coral coloured pieces are actually glass.  I haven't seen one like it before.  $150.US.
   COL311.   This antique silver bracelet is from the same collection as COL307 to COL317.  The collector has a great eye for choosing very nice jewellery.  The collector bought the bracelet on a trip through Timor.

  A similar bracelet is illustrated on page 296 of "A World of Bracelets".  There are a number of bracelets in the photograph in the book - this is what the author has written:  "When dressed for combat, Atoni warriors wear ringed anklets.  When they perform, the dancers of central Timor grab the ornament decorated with birds and a bell firmly in their fingers so the bracelet sits on top of their knuckles.  Both men and women wear the bracelets embellished with spirals."  This bracelet would have been held in the hand for dancing.  The inside is 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches with a 5/8 inch wide opening. $145.US.
   COL312.   This is a small, elaborate and heavy antique silver bracelet from the Golden Triangle of SE Asia.  This style of bracelet with flattened ends is from the Yao or Hmong people.  I would love to watch someone hammering the silver to create this shape as it is a huge amount of work, and then the fine decorations as well...  I think that the decorations on the top and bottom in the photo illustrate birds along with plant images.  This is a small bracelet for a fine wrist but it would sit beautifully as a pendant on a necklace as well, with the opening at the bottom.  This is one of the most beautiful and graceful ones that I have seen.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 inches by 1 1/2 inches with an opening just slightly smaller than an inch.  The bracelet weighs 117 grams.  $300.US.
   COL313.   The collector who bought this bracelet had it stretched out so that he could wear it himself.  It is substantial and very heavy at 193 grams and measures 2 3/4 inches across on the inside.  This is a Miao piece and was bought in Laos.   $450.US.
   COL314.   There is a bracelet similar to this on page 267 of "A World of Bracelets".  These bracelets were made by the Hmong people of Thailand, and always beautifully etched, hammered and decorated.  This bracelet is 2 1/2 inches across on the inside.  The silverworkers create very graceful ornaments.   $260.US.
   COL315.   This snake bracelet was bought while travelling in Timor.  The antique silver snake has two heads sharing one body wrapping around the arm.  This has what looks like letters cut into the back - perhaps initials of the owner?  The bracelet slips onto the arm and measures 2 1/8 by 2 3/8 inch across on the inside.  (89 grams)   $250.US.
   COL316.   This antique silver snake bracelet was bought while the collector was travelling in Timor.  The two heads share one body that wraps around the arm.  The bracelet measures 2 1/16 by 2 1/4 inches across on the inside.  (53 grams)   $155.US.
   COL318.   This is a gorgeous graceful beautifully carved 10 1/2 inch tall wooden mask from Patzcuaro, Guerrero.  The wood has been stained a warm brown and was made by a master carver.  There are many stories and dances of the old men - los Viejos - and this is a contemporary and creative interpretation.     $135.US.
   COL320.   This antique Chinese needle case is 2 1/4 inches tall when closed.  The entire piece from top of the hanging loop to the bottom of the pendants below is 6 3/8 inches tall.  The carnelian is over 1/2 inch in diameter.  This piece is nicely made of a low grade silver metal.  $95.US.
   COL321.   This is a very attractive strand of amber beads from a collection.  It is simply strung on a cord.  There are two places on the necklace were a piece of amber is missing so there are 2 turquoise beads together and in another place 2 coral beads together.  The necklace could be restrung with the 2 extra beads removed.  The necklace is tied shut at the back with a Tibetan turquoise bead and fat piece of coral.  The necklace is 29 inches around with a 1 1/4 inch long pendant at the back.  $250.US.
   COL323.   Here is a rebozo, made of artisela, that I bought around 1990 on the Mexican coast of Michoacan - but have never worn - it simply sat in my collection.  It was made in La Piedad, Michoacan.  The rebozo was hand woven on a wooden loom in one of the studios.  Because it is hand woven there are some irregularities here and there, only a natural part of the finished piece.   The true colours of the rebozo are illustrated in this life size photo where you can see the dark red of the fringe against the white and black of the body of the rebozo.  The rebozo is 32 inches wide and 70 inches long plus 20 inches of fringe at each end (total 110 inches long).  Artisela is a slinky slippery fabric often worn for special occasions in the evenings.  Daily rebozos are generally made of cotton.  I am adding more vintage rebozos and textiles from Mexico and Guatemala to this page:  ../MEXICO/Mexico3.html  Please check if you are interested.  This rebozo is $250.US.
  COL324.   These antique silver pendants were originally hooked onto fabric - a head covering perhaps?  They are more attractive in real life with good silver that gleams with age.  They each have red and green facet glass stones added for colour and drama.  The pieces at the top are folded to make hooks/pins for fastening the pendants.  That part can just as easily be used as the stringing space for necklace pendants.  These are 3 7/8 inches tall and 2 1/4 inches at their widest.  The bells at the bottom his each other lightly making a soft/gentle noise.  These are pieces from Afghanistan and the Kuche/Koochi tribes.  $145.US/each
  COL326.   Here is a terrific silver bracelet from Afghanistan (Koochi, Kuche) with that great contrast of green and pink in its facet glass stones.  The stones are a little deeper in colour and sparkle nicely when light falls on them.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/8 inch.  The front of the bracelet is 1 1/2 inches tall.  I have seen similar complex work on Jewish made work in Yemen.   $285.US.
  COL327.   This pair of silver bracelets from Afghanistan is similar to the single one above.  It is a little less dense in stones.  The facet glass stones are a little deeper in colour and the bracelets look a little more dramatic than in the photo.  (Always put your closing pin in from above.)  The pieces are similar to COL326 but have some different details like the tiny holes punched around the back of the pieces.  They swing open so that you can put them on.  The insides are 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/8 inches.  The front is 1 1/2 inches tall.  $485.US/pair
   COL328.  This necklace is made of antique silver beads from Afghanistan.  They have a much nicer silver gleam to them than one can see in the photo.   The necklace is 18 inches around.  The pendant in the middle is 1 3/4 inches across.  Because it has such large stringing loops to it, sandcast beads from Africa cover the cord as it passes through the amulet.  A very attractive piece.   $350.US.   (sold)
  COL329.   Here is a set of antique lightly gilded silver pieces that each have 6 holes for stringing.  When lined up together they add up to 6 7/8 inches in length, great for a bracelet for medium or larger wrists.  The pieces are 11/16 inches wide.  They would be great as pieces of a necklace as well.   $85.US.
  COL330.   This vintage Mexican bracelet was bought in Taxco over 50 years ago.  The images are of Aztec gods, some who are holding a green chip of jade.  The bracelet is marked at 900 silver, but there are no other markings.  In this enlarged photo you can see the closure and how well hidden it is.  The bracelet is 7 inches around and 1 inch tall.   $155.US.
  COL332.   Here is a creamy coloured strand of antique Nagaland shell beads coming out of a collection in Europe.  The strand is 82 inches long with beads averaging 1/2 inch in diameter.  You can see beads like these

  COL334.   Here is a long strand of antique wound silver beads from Africa which includes two faience beads.  This necklace comes from a European collection and is strung up ready to wear with a clasp.  The strand is 31 inches long.  I rarely see this style of beads in silver anymore but usually brass or copper.  $325.US.
  COL335.   This strand of ancient carnelians came from a European collection.  The beads have been collected from various places and cover a wide range of ages and origins.  This would make a great neckace.  The strand is very warm in colour, with warmth representing life and vitality.  The strand is over 17 inches long.  The largest cone shaped pendant is 15/16 inches tall.  The large facet bead is 7/8 inch across.  It has whitening from calcium accumulated by burial.  This is a great collection of different shapes of beads.   $350.US.

   COL340.   This is a lovely silver Chinese pendant even though it is damaged.  A piece is broken off the top right hand side, and over the years chains have been replaced and repaired.  I still like it very much.  The piece is 6 inches tall (152mm).   $55.US.
   COL341.   I see copies of these Miao pleated skirts but this is an original and over 60 years old.  There is a huge amount of work involved in making these, from the wax work done on the indigo dyed part, the cross stitch embroidery, the stitching together...  Most of the work is done by hand, but the ribbons were sewn on with a machine and the different fabrics were attached by machine.  This very traditional skirt is very heavy and will make a full circle when laid on the ground.  It is 21 1/2 inches long.  This was bought by the collector from a woman wearingit and has not been changed, washed, anything since then.  $185.US.
   COL342.   The watch image is more clear on the watch itself than in the photo - I just couldn't focus properly because of the glass covering.  This is a vintage watch featuring the Virgin of Guadalupe (Señora de Guadalupe) and an image of Jesus.  The watch says "Jesus" at the top and "quartz" below and keeps time fine.  On the back of watch is written "stainless steel back Japan movt water resistant".  The watch had been worn before I acquired it and has some wear against the surface of the band on the inside.  The outer side of the watch looks perfect though.  I have never worn this myself so never had it adjusted to the size of my wrist - it is 7 3/4 inches around (and the face is slightly over 1 1/8 inch wide) but pieces can easily be removed to make it smaller.   I had never seen one before (and haven't seen another one yet) and was charmed by the many images of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the wristband.  It is quite solid and heavy and I think has many years of life left in it.    $120.US.
   COL345.   Antique silver Chinese needle case.   $135.US.
   COL348.   This necklace was bought in Morocco by the collector over 30 years ago and is a more contemporary (though vintage) version of the traditional mixes of silver, coral, and hamsas (or khamsas) for protection.  The necklace opens by a hinge at the back and can be adjusted to cross over wider or narrower.  This fits nicely on me - the base of my neck is 13.5 inches around (34.4cm).  The texture on the oval part of the pendant sections is very deep, and the length of the vertical parts are 4 1/4 inches and 4 1/2 inches long, measuring from where the silver changes direction.  This is an unusual, interesting and eye catching piece.   $165.US.
   COL349.   This Chinese silver necklace was not worn for a long time so was very dark from tarnish.  I rubbed it just a little so one can see the texture more clearly.  The pendant is 2 1/8 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches tall.  Here is an enlarged image of each side.  One of the bells is silent, and the other has a piece inside so that it can be rattled.  The bells are 7/8 inch in diameter.  The necklace is put on by using one of the "S" hooks in the front.  The necklace is antique and very attractive, having a look that newer ones can never acquire.  The chain is 21 inches long including the "S" hooks.  It could use a gentle cleaning to bring up the gleam of the silver.   $185.US.
   COL353.   Here is a heavy antique silver Indian necklace from an old collection.  It was acquired during a trade and remains in exactly the same stringing as it was bought many years ago.   It is always a pleasure to see entire pieces without a modern restringing so we can see exactly how they were traditionally worn.  This is almost too heavy for my gram scale as it came in at 252.7grams.  It is quite a serious and heavy piece strung up with thick cord.  The long connectors are 3 inches (7.6cm) long.  The necklace is 21 inches around at the outside and 16 inches around on the inside plus the cord.  It has four coins attached.   $375.US. 
   COL354.   These three lovely antique Chinese wedding bracelets were mostly likely worn together by the collector.  They must have looked amazing along with Chinese opera rings on the fingers.  They are all different from each other and sold separately - there are more photos HERE.  Bracelet #1 is beautifully enamelled - I rarely see them like this - the design is deeply cut and on the front there seem to be two Chinese characters.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 3/8 inches by 2 1/8 inches and 7 1/8 inches around (45grams).  $250.US.    Bracelet #2 has the dragons meeting at the middle with something round between them.  The work is graceful.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 1/2 inches by 2 inches and 7 1/4 inches around.  $175.US.   Bracelet #3 has been bent a little over the years so that it is not perfectly flat anymore when lying on a table.  It has a small bump on one side.  Neither issue is really noticeable when worn though.  I like the sharp teeth that these dragons have along with the pattens down their backs.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 5/8 inch by 2 1/8 inch and 7 5/8 inch around.  $135.US.
   COL356.   This is an early vintage sterling silver repousse bracelet made by Maciel of Mexico City.  I have seen variations of this bracelet for sale but all newer, less fine, versions.  This is the original design, beautifully hammered with excellent technique and is very collectible.   Maciel was known for holloware and dishes as well as the jewelry that they produced.  This is a dramatic piece 2 1/2 inches tall at the front.  The bracelet goes around 7 1/4 inches and has an opening of slightly under an inch across.  The illustration is a rather magical version of the Aztec calendar and the rebirth of this world.   $425.US.
   COL357.   This is a rather famous design by Los Ballesteros of Taxco and Iguala.  It is heavy, dramatic, and covered with modern interpretations of Aztec images.  The bracelet is just under 2 inches tall and when closed is 7 inches around on the inside.  The bracelet has four pieces and is hinged with a firm clasp and a chain for safety.  This is a vintage sterling silver bracelet.  It has very light wear but could use a good polishing to bring up the gleam on the silver.  This is one of my favourite vintage Mexican pieces, sculptural as well as a great wearable piece of jewellery.
  COL358.   Here are two beautiful examples of Mapuche work from the tribe living in Chile and Argentina (Araucanian) - they are illustrated in books and museums but antique pieces are rare to come across.  Some smaller pieces are shown on page 404 of "A World of Necklaces" with the text:  The cross is of Christian origin, but the piece has the pure lines of ancient jewellery.  The silver came from mines in Bolivia and from ancient coins."  These traditional pectorals coming from an old collection, are not sterling grade, but a good silver colour.  Pectoral #1 is made to be suspended at the front of the throat by the slot at the top decorated with a shell-like image.  The links join onto a cross hanging with dangles and more crosses.  The piece is 12 1/4 inches long and the widest part of the cross is 2 1/2 inches across.  $285.US.     Piece #2 is very heavy (168 grams) and equally interesting.  It has a pin across the top with the pin itself being 2 5/8 inches wide - long enough to comfortably suspend the piece.  The piece at the top is 3 7/8 inch across and illustrates two birds facing each other.  2 milagros hang below.  The entire piece is 11 1/4 inches tall and the part at the bottom is 3 3/8 inches across at the widest. 

  Here are some full size images of the tops and bottoms of the pieces. 
  COL359.   This is a lovely, graceful and detailed antique silver pin from China.  The pin is nicely curved, has been pierced by hand and shaped by intricate hammering.  It is really lovely.  The pin is 2 7/8 inches wide and 1 7/8 inch at the tallest.  The pin at the back is the width of the piece so it sits firmly in place.  $125.US.
   COL360.   Here is an antique hamsa (khamsa, hand pendant) from Morocco that I have had for quite a few years.  It is naturally oxidized and since I like pieces to be dark I have never polished it.  It picks up a bit of a gleam if worn often.  The very attractive, symbolic and protective hand is 2 5/8 inches tall, and a bit over 1 1/4 inches wide.  The chain is hooked on with two "S" hooks.  The chain itself goes 16 inches around.  This is a very sweet piece.   $275.US.
   COL361.   I have had this preColumbian/preHispanic greenstone axe or celt in my collection for about a dozen years.  This is the only one that I have found that has an image etched into it (on one side) - it looks like a face in a square to me.  This originated in the State of Morelos, outside of Cuernavaca.  It sits nicely in the palm of my hand and has a very attractive texture after long burial.  I find these pieces very calm and comforting to hold.  The celt is 2 7/8 inches long and 1 5/8 inches at the widest.  $450.US.
   COL362.   Here is a heavy unusual (thought there is a similar one en el Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City) preColumbian/preHispanic stone bead.  The colours in the bead are beautifully mottled.  The long part of the bead is 3 3/4 inches long, and the shorter part is 2 3/4 inches across.  The bead is about 3/4 inch across by 7/8 inch across - a slight rectangle.  I bought this bead in the State of Morelos quite a few years ago.  $225.US.
   COL363.   I have only had one Mezcala preColumbian/preHispanic stone figure (axe god) of this particular style.  This is from the State of Guerrero.  This has been confidently carved in a very linear way that I find very attractive.  It looks like he is suppressing a smile...  the stone has a different colour running through it that you can see along the sides - it gives the piece a very unusual look.  This stone figure was buried for hundreds of years and was a great discovery - I acquired it from another long time collection. $450.US.
   COL364.  Here is a gorgeous necklace bought in Morocco by a Paris collector.  The antique coral and amazonite are very nicely coloured and very attractive.  The coins hang beautifully with traditional dangles.  Sterling silver pieces are used throughout including the coins (most of them are 1321 in the Islamic calendar equivalent to 1903 in the Gregorian) which were pierced many decades ago to use as ornaments.  The necklace is 18 inches around and weighs 185 grams.  The coins are an inch across.   This is a real treasure...  $1600.US.
   COL365.  This amulet necklace is from an old Paris collection.  The necklace has ancient carnelian beads in various shapes as well as antique turquoise beads.  The antique silver amulet is decorated with gilding as well as carnelians.  The amulet is 4 1/8 inches wide and the necklace is 18 inches long.  This sits very nicely at the base of the throat.  $600.US.
   COL366.   This beautiful antique Berber cross is from a collection in Paris.  The piece is enamelled and still in excellent condition - no breaks or chips.  This is a particularly large and heavy amulet weighing 111 grams and measuring 3 3/4 inches tall.  It is very solid looking and impressive and makes a lovely piece simply hanging on a cord.  The silver gleams and the piece looks magical - I wish that I could have captured that with a photo.  $525.US.
   COL367.   Here is a lovely silver hand beaten pectoral disc bought in Otoni, Timor by a collector/friend of mine, the last of my collection.  The hammered disc is 3 1/16 inches across and has some delicate hammered points on it.  I never put it onto a finished necklace but just wore it simply on this cord as the men in Timor traditionally did, wearing them on special occasions showing off power or achievements.  $385.US.
   COL369.   This preColumbian greenstone Mezcala standing figure sits nicely on a strand of graduated beads from the State of Guerrero.  In fact the stone has a little bit of the qualities of jade in a very good colour.  The necklace is 18 1/2 inches long and closed with a silver hand clasp from Oaxaca.  The straight mouthed figure is 2 1/4 inches tall, hung on the strand facing forward, perhaps functioning as a protection.  It sits very nicely.  $850.US.

   COL372.   Here is an interesting strand of preColumbian stone beads from a Mexico City collection.  The 23 inch strand of beads is in a range of dark greens and browns, some of the colour acquired by reactions (while buried) with iron.  I think that the pendant (1 3/8 inches long) is shaped like a bird but I am not sure.  This is ready to make into a necklace.  $350.US.
   COL373.   Here is a sweet little strand of brown stone beads originating in Zacualpan, Estado de Mexico.  The strand is 14 inches long and has a mask as a pendant that is 7/8 inches long.  You can't see it on the photo but the face has a rather nice smile on it.  This will make a great necklace, perhaps needing some filler beads at the back.  $250.US.
   COL374.   Here are two absolutely wonderful very long strands of preColumbian/preHispanic beads with impressive tubulars as central pieces.  These beads originated in Zacualpan, Estado de Mexico and came from the long time collection of a family of Mexican jewellers.  I was delighted to find these, and to know in what community they were made, most likely by the Olmec people.  Strand #1 has 36 inches of beads that average 7mm in diameter.  The tubular bead at the front is 2 3/8 inches long.  This could easily be made into 2 necklaces but was kept like this in the collection so I am selling it in the same way.  $500.US.   Strand #2 also has 36 inches of beads on the strand.  The tubular bead in the front is 2 7/8 inch long.  It is very smoothly polished and feels great to rub my fingers along.  $535.US.   (#2 is sold, #1 is available)
   COL375.   There are two strands of preColumbian/preHispanic beads here, both from Zacualpan, Estado de Mexico, most likely from the Olmec culture.  The beads were in a longtime collection of a family of Mexican jewellers, and a delight to acquire.  Strand #1 is 18 inches long so great for a necklace, especially with a pendant added.  The beads have a range of colours to them.  $225.US.   Strand #2 is quite short at 5 1/4 inches long.  The central bead is 1 inch long and has a nice groove carved around it.  $150.US.  (#1 is sold)
   COL377.   Here are two strands of preColumbian - preHispanic greenstone beads from Mexico, both in good colour and polish.  Strand #1 has been made into a necklace which has a button style closing at the back between the cord and a bead.  This is well made, nicely graduated, and ready to wear.  It is 19 inches around.  The beads at the front average 1/2 inch in diameter.  $450.US.   The shorter strand, #2 has a little over 12 inches of beads on it.  The entire strand is 24 inches around so can be tied shut to fit comfortable and worn as a necklace.   $235.US.   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
   COL379.   This is an unusual hand woven cotton rebozo made in Tenancingo, Estado de Mexico, Mexico.  It has never been used but was stored away.  The colour of yellow is very rare.  This came from the collection of a Mexico City dealer who had been holding onto it for more than 20 years.  This has not been made on a machine loom but a hand one so the weaving is sometimes a little irregular and imperfect but that is the joy of hand made items.  The length of the labour is huge between the weaving (including Ikat dyeing) and the knotting.   $350.US.
   COL380.   Here is another vintage hand woven cotton rebozo from a Mexico City dealer's collection.  It has never been used but was stored away.  It was made on a hand loom (not a machine loom) in Tenancingo, Estado de Mexico, Mexico.  There are irregular and imperfect bits within the weaving but that is one of the joys of hand made items.  Making rebozos takes a huge amount of labour and time between the dyeing to create the Ikat pattern, the stringing of the loom, the weaving and then the knotting.   I use my own rebozos in all seasons and absolutely love them.   $300.US.
   COL381.   Here are two strands of PreColumbian shell/spondylus beads from a collection that came out of Colombia, SA.  Strand #1 is 37 inches long (94cm) and has a mix of colours of beads in it including a green stone bead.  The colours rich and beautiful. - $310.US   Strand #2 is 32 inches (81cm) around with three beads making a triangle at the front.  This looks great worn exactly as it is - $300.US   (strand #1 is sold)
   COL382.   Here is a Middle Eastern Bazuband (bajuband) or protective armband covered with script.  I bought it from an Iranian collection but can't be certain that is where it originated.  It has loops on the back so that a cord can be put through to tie it onto the upper arm with.  This beautiful antique silver piece is 6 1/5 inch across (15.2 cm).  The bazuband is hinged in two places and looks quite beautiful when worn.  This is very collectible.   $550.US
   COL383.   This is a group of mixed metal Tibetan amulet pendants.  These are quite rare and I was totally intrigued by them.  I have a short story to describe each one.  Pendant #1 is 2 5/8 inches tall.  This portrays Buddha's mother sitting under a tree with two disciples clapping hands.  Pendant #2 is 2 1/2 inches tall.  This shows Buddha cutting his hair with a stupa in the background.   Pendant #3 is 3 3/4 inches tall.  This is a calendar of the 3 Buddhas.   Pendant #4 is the only one without a loop on the back for hanging.  It has stringing holes at the top and at the bottom.   Pendant #5 is 2 5/8 inches tall.

   COL384.   I haven't had one of these strands of Ancient Islamic glass "eye" beads for a while.  They have become hard to find, but this came out of a collection.  It is in the same stringing as when it was brought from Mali, Africa in the first place.  There are 30 inches of beads on this strand with the largest one 17mm (11/16") in diameter.  I love the way that the glass catches the light and reminds me of ocean water.   $1350.US
   COL385.   This is a little over 11 inches of ancient beads from North Africa/Mauritania including amazonite and a pale blue tubular.  Next to the blue tubular is one ancient glass bead.  The largest bead is 1 1/8 inches by 1 1/8 inches and a little over 1/2 inch thick.  It charmed me.   $250.US
   COL386.   Here is a lovely Mezcala carved stone figure from the State of Guerrero.  I was quite excited to discover him with the white band across his face.  It reminded me of Aztec face colouring during festivals and celebrations.  This piece is preColumbian/preHispanic and well over 1000 years old.  He stands 5 inches tall so is quite hefty and impressive.   $450.US.   (sold)
   COL387.   Here is a charming ancient preHispanic/preColumbian Mezcala carved stone figure from the State of Guerrero.  He is made of a pale stone that has a beige or sand coloured coating on it.  He has a stringing hole right through his throat.  The figure stands 5 1/4 inches tall and has a dramatic pose.   $300.US.
   COL388.   This Mezcala stone figure has been held, touched, softened, long ago when it was in daily use.  It is almost the shape of an "axe" but clearly has aspects of his face and arms, as well as a space between his legs.  He is 4 7/8 inches tall and quite heavy and substantial to hold.  This is a preHispanic/preColumbian piece over 1000 years old.   $250.US.   (sold)
   COL389.   Here is a smaller preColumbian/preHispanic stone figure from the State of Guerrero.  This dark stone carving is 3 3/8 inches tall and quite weighty.  $160.US.
   COL390.   This is a very strange fellow who came out of Cuetlajuchitlán, Guerrero.  This is a preHispanic/preColumbian carving that was buried for a very long time.  He has two different finishes on him.  Part of the surface is slick and polished, but on other parts of the carving the smooth surface no longer exists and the rougher part of the stone is at the surface.  I wonder if the piece had been buried and some chemical it came into contact with wore away some of the polished surface, or if something else happened.  It is very curious.  The figure is 2 7/8 inches tall and has a very defined face.   $250.US.   (sold)
   COL391.   This carved figure is from

   COL392.   This kneeling figure is from

inner fractures.  It has never been broken or repaired but I would consider it to be quite delicate and I do not take any responsibility for what might happen to it in the future.  An accidental drop or banging it might just make it break into pieces.  Right now though, it has survived for over a thousand years.  This is 1 3/4 inches tall.   $180.US.   (sold)
   COL393.   Here is a contemporary carving, made in Taxco.  The beads are labradorite I think, and most likely imported.  It had an unattractive clasp so I restrung it with a pair of hands bought from a jeweller in Oaxaca.  The standing man is 2 inches tall and very beautifully carved.  The entire necklace is 17 1/2 inches around.  It sits beautifully.   $350.US.
   COL394.  

   COL395.   This is an antique retablo, painted onto metal, portraying San Antonio.  In Mexico, San Antonio looks after romance.  He helps to find a true love, and then helps to keep a couple together.  This is an antique retable (painted in oil) and has sat on some wall for a long time.  Frida Kahlo collected retablos and they hung on the wall by her staircase, until the Casa Azul was turned into a "museum" and they were gathered together and covered with glass.  How unfortunate.  It is very difficult to find the original ones like this, one generally sees contemporary ones, so it is very collectible.  $200.US.

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  COL01.   I have always loved the necklaces full of colourful beads and holed coins that come from the south of Mexico, and from Guatemala.  This necklace is tied in the back so that it is slipped over the head and worn double stranded.  It came out of Guatemala with 1 REAL coins most of which date from 1900 to 1912.  There is also a coin from 1846, and another from 1866.  The main beads are antique red whitehearts traded into the Americas from Venice.  There are also some "vaselines" and red trade beads with white swirls on them.  The last time that this was restrung some more modern peach colour beads were included.  Necklaces like this are strung and re-strung many times to keep a good strong cord within or to add a few more coins or beads.  One strand is about 25 inches around, and the other 26, so there are more than 50 inches altogether.  (sold)
  COL02.   Here is an attractive antique necklace from the southern Mexico area made mostly out of black coral gathered in the Gulf of Mexico.  There is also some orange coral included.  The pendants of black coral have been shaped very nicely from the original branches.  The necklace has been recently restrung with some tiny tiny black seedbeads as spacers.  The necklace is a little over 22 inches around plus a 2 5/8 inch long cross.  The cross is made of two shaped branches with a tiny nail holding them together.   (sold)
  COL03.   This is a rather wonderful necklace which I imagine was made in Poland.  It is a collection of "3 groscher" silver Polish coins of Sigismund III all from 1587-1632.  There are 16 coins about 20mm/7/8 inch across which have hanging loops soldered onto them for suspension.  The chain of the necklace is 21 1/2 inches long and closes with a simple clasp.  It sits very nicely as you can see here...   I can imagine that this is a one of a kind piece.   (sold)

  COL04.   This vintage silver necklace came out of the south of Mexico.  Sections have been made out of milagros with stringing holes at one end and an attached hanging loop at the other and satellite beads with wires through them.  The necklace part is 26 inches around and the cross with Senoras on it, is 6 inches tall.  The jeweller added a stamp to it with their ID as well as 92.5 signifying sterling silver (84 grams).     (sold)

  COL06.   This 15 1/2 inch long necklace is made up of green and carnelian beads from the Tairona of Colombia.  There are silver beads at the back from India or Afghanistan.  The little creature (zoomorphic amulet) at the front of the necklace is ever so slightly over 1 inch long.   (sold)
  COL07.   This 16 1/2 inch long green stone beaded necklace from the Tairona people of Colombia is absolutely gorgeous.  It has two small carnelian beads at the front along with a carved carnelian bird amulet.   The stringing hole is across the back of the bird's neck.  I find Tairona work to have a very magical quality.   (sold)

  COL10.   I collected these beautifully shaped preColumbian greenstone (including one amazing quartz) beads over a number of years.  I wanted a perfect group and I do think that I have one here.  There is a very thin disc bead as well.  The crystal bead is 1 inch in diameter.  There were no equivalent beads from the Americas so I used Ethiopian flying saucer beads at the back.  The cord button-holes over a silver button of a rana, or frog.  The strand is 16 inches long with 7 3/4 inches of stone beads included.   (sold)
  COL11.   These beads were known as ancient Romans coming out of the trade routes in north Africa but are now thought to be Islamic instead.  They are beautiful beads each with their own distinct character to them.  The colours range from a glowing green to deep blue.  The necklace is 15 inches long with a sterling silver clasp.    (sold)

  COL13.    (sold)

  COL15.   This necklace came out of Cambodia exactly as is.  Being 22 inches around most people can slip it over their heads.  This came from an old collection in Thailand, the last item that I have left from what I bought in the nineties.  The fattest carnelian bead at the front is about 5/8 inch, the blue and orange beads are glass, all from trade in that area, and the pendant bead is a striped agate.  It was once a full dzi bead, but was broken, and the broken part is at the top of it.  It is 1 1/4 inches long.   (sold)
  COL16.   These richly coloured glass beads are antique ones from China.  They average 1/4 to 5/16 inch in diameter and are in beautiful shades of blue, green  and turquoise.  The double strand suspends a silver stamp, squared in one direction and rounded in the other.  There is a different stamp at each end matching the shape of the cylinder.  The shorter strand is 17 1/4 inches long, and the longer one is 18 inches long.  It is very eye catching.   (sold)
  COL17.   I love the colours of these antique glass facet beads from Southeast Asia.  They are the same style as the ancient beads by Indo-Pacific beadmakers.  This was most likely made in the vicinity of Surabaya, Java with drilled holes as opposed to the ancient folded beads (see p.89 "Collectible Beads).  Beads along this line are still being made but don't have the texture or intriguing colours of these antique ones.  They range from pale almost colourless blue to a pale mossy green.  The longer beads are around 1 inch long, and the entire necklace is 15 inches.  These were brought out of Cambodia.  It is closed with a "button" of a silver alligator - a milagro image.   (sold)

  COL18.   This 16 inch long necklace is composed of old/ancient pieces of amazonite from digs in Mali, Africa in a traditional leaf style shape, with African made blue glass beads behind it.  The combination is perfect in my eyes.  The longest amazonite bead is just under 2 inches.   (sold) 
  COL19.   What a gorgeous mix of light coloured amazonite beads coming out of Africa.  There are about 63 grams (there are tiny glass beads at the back since there werent enough amazonite to finish the necklace otherwise), and a silver clasp.  The necklace is 16 inches long and the longest bead at the front is 1 1/2 inches.  There is a beautiful variety of colours and shapes.  Some of the pendant beads are halves of old beads that had been broken and then reshaped so that they could still be worn - years ago.  This is a treasure.   (sold)
  COL20.   Here is a very nice group of Venetian glass beads, a whole variety of colours and decorations.  A few silver beads have been mixed into the16 inch long necklace.  I love examining each one.   (sold)

  COL21.   This is a 22 inches long mixed strand of tiny vaselines (3/8 inch in diameter) and antique Chinese beads.    (sold)
  COL22.   16 1/2 inches long.   (sold)
  COL23.   This is a rather magnificent necklace from Guatemala or the south of Mexico - a rather ornate one.  Typically the central pendant is a silver coin - 1902 - 1 peso Republica Mexicana.  The coin is 1 9/16 inch across and decorated with a pair of rabbits and two small coins soldered onto it.  The necklace is full of silver objects/images.  Birds, hands, pots & containers, a fish, a heart, a cross, horse, eyes, etc.  They vary in age as these necklaces get taken apart and reconstructed when new additions are found.  The brick coloured beads are made of clay.  The necklace is 31 inches around with a 3 1/2 inch long pendant section in the front.  (sold)

  COL24.   This necklace is typical of Guatemala or the south of Mexico.  The cultures share ideas, images and workmanship.  This necklace is 28 inches around with a 4 1/4 inch long pendant section.  The bottom piece of the pendant is a silver bird with wings spread holding a small coin in its beak.  The bird is 1 3/4 inches long.  The milagros that I love the most on this piece are two legs.  I will have to take a photo of them as you can't see their shape on this photo.  They are antique and quite different from each other.  Two of the pendants are made of cut out coins, as you can see in the bird in the preview pic.  The necklace is composed of antique "vaseline", and red whiteheart beads traded in from Europe long ago.  This is a memorable piece.  (sold)

  COL26.   Here is a mix of antique 6 and 7 layer chevron beads, made in Venice and traded into Africa.  The necklace is 15 3/4 inches long and closed with a sterling silver clasp.  The central bead is 7-layer, 7/8 inch long and 7/8 inch in diameter.  The strand includes 2 facet chevrons that came out of Peru.  I will have to sit down and count how many 6-layer and how many 7-layer there are here.   (sold)
  COL27.   This is a serene necklace of pale greenstone beads from Mexico.  The beads are preColumbian/preHispanic made by the ancient culture.  This necklace is made up of 12 beads with the strand being 19 1/2 inches around and the pendant bead 1 5/8 inches long.  The longest bead on the strand is just over 2 3/4 inches, the second longest is 2 1/2 inches long.  It is closed with a silver "S" hook clasp.   (sold)
  COL28.   This is a very subtle, lovely, ancient and compelling strand of long, narrow stone beads.  They came out the Cambodia/Vietnam era and could possibly be from the Phung Nguyen Culture,  The strand measures 28 inches in length, and is strung with fishing line - I haven't changed it since I bought it.  Most of the beads have a dusty looking pale moss-like colour.  One is flecked a little with a brick colour, and another is a little creamy with a bit of yellow to it.  The bead at the front is 1 11/16 inch across and 5/16 inch in diameter at the thickest.  This is quite a remarkable strand.   (sold)

  COL29.   Necklaces have been made like this in the "New World" since coins were first minted there.  This necklace has four loops of strands with more than 120 coins from Peru, Colombia and Ecuador generally from the 1940s to 1960s.  The strands are tied together at the back.  This necklace would have been worn with traditional clothing for special occasions, market visits, or church visits.  The beaded part of the necklace (with coins) is 15 inches long.  The entire length from end to end is 20 inches, enough to tie comfortably.   (sold)
  COL30.   I have always loved the South American necklaces with silver images and very specifically designed trade beads.  This probably came out of Bolivia with the typically designed cross with a 3 dimensional Christ on it.  The 14 women made from sheet silver who parade around the necklace are all holding children, and made in a variety of styles.  The necklace is 30 inches around and tied shut.  The cross at the front is 2 1/4 inches tall.  This is a very memorable necklace.   (sold)

COL46.   This is a very sweet and delicate silver amulet necklace.  The amulet itself is just 1 inch across and the entire necklace measures 17 inches around.  It is a comfortable piece.    (sold)
 

  

COL63.   This antique Venetian trade bead necklace is 14 1/2 inches long - which I made for my narrow neck.  Of course more beads can be added to extend it.  I collected the round beads (from the early 1800s) over many years as there would often be just a few at the ends of strands of Islamic eye beads coming out of the trade routes in North Africa.  I would pick off those Venetian beads then sell the Islamic ones.  There are 17 round millefiore beads, a number of ovals, and then a small variety of beads at the back of the necklace.  These are very very collectible and I rarely see them anymore.     (sold)
   COL64.   This strand of antique Venetian trade beads sits 16 inches around.  The curved beads naturally curve around the neck.  Two of the longer strands have chips at the end, but they don't detract from the necklace.     (sold)

   COL65.   This necklace of antique Venetian trade beads is 15 1/2 inches around.  The colours work against each other in an energetic way.  When I make necklaces for myself I choose beads that I love to look at so just as often have the necklace in my hands rather than around my neck.   (sold)

   COL68.   I bought this traditional silver pendant in Patzcuaro, México about ten years ago.  They were still being made by the master silversmiths back then.  It is beautifully carved, and nice and heavy.  For reference you can check the book "Mexican Jewelry" by Davis & Pack.  They show an earlier one designed by Miguel Covarrubias, designed by Sr. Herminio Cazares and made by Jesús Cazares (page 98).  I bought this from Jesús Cazares in his tiny studio but it is un-signed.  I brought it home and restrung it with antique Venetian whiteheart beads.  The necklace is 16 inches around and the pendant is 1 7/8 inches wide, 2 7/8 inches tall.   $850.US.   (sold)

   COL69.   This ring is from Afghanistan, made of silver and set with a gracefully carved carnelian.  The ring is a size 10 and the square of carnelian is 1/2 inch across.  The ring is gracefully decorated with fine dotted designs, and stamped on the inside with the jeweller's signature.  This was sold to me as antique but it is impossible for me to know the true age.  It is quite heavy and substantial.   (sold)
   COL70.   I fell in love with the deep black Iranian jet beads the first time that I saw them.  I collected this group of pieces over the years to make a dramatic and memorable short necklace for myself.  Because it is jet it is not as heavy as one might think.  The necklace is 16 inches around and the one bead with script on it is 1 1/4 inches by 1 1/8 inches and 1/2 inch thick.  I am a great fan of cornerless cube beads which these all are.  I am rarely finding these beads anymore and my Iranian connection isn't able to travel enough anymore to bring me any.  I love the soft feel of the beads as well.   (sold)

   COL71.   The crystal beads at the center of this necklace were brought out of Cambodia.  They could be Chinese quartz/crystal, I can't say where the origins were.  The central bead is a little larger than 7/8 inch in diameter.  In the outer beads you can see the drilled holes.  The quartz beads are strung with antique padre beads made in China - the small ones (less than 1/4 inch in diameter), older than the typical larger ones that you see coming out of the African trade.  There are new silver cornerless cube beads at the back (they need cleaning if you want to see the silver colour) with an Ethiopian cross at the back.  A light mix of cultures.  The necklace is 26 inches around.   (sold)

   COL76.   This group of beads was bought at auction in the mid nineties from a collection created more than 50 years earlier.  They are Taino beads from Central America (the Panama area) and include a number of different materials and shapes.  They are an excellent addition to a serious collection - I see material like this in museums.  The largest stone bead is just under 1 1/8 inch in diameter.  There are three small blotchy coloured beads that I believe would qualify as jade.   (sold)
   COL77.   Here is a magnificent strand of preColumbian crystal beads from the Tairona people of Colombia.  This is the only impeccable strand of crystal beads that I have had and the 1 3/8 inch long frog at the center is a total delight.  The strand is 16 1/2 inches long and closed with a modern silver "S" hook.  I love to hold these against the light and examine the drilled bead holes.  It catches the light beautifully when worn as well.   (sold)
   COL78.   This strand of sodalite beads came from an area on the border of Bolivia and Peru.  I bought it in the early nineties full of wonder at the beads carved with slightly slanted ends.  Some still have a creamy coloured surface coating from burial and others are quite sky blue in colour.  The strand is more than 40 inches long.  I didn't want to break it up as they were all found in the same place together.  The central bead (with 1/3 broken off long ago) is 1 inch long.  These belong together and in a serious collection.   (sold)

   COL79.   This is a lovely relicario from the mountainous area of Bolivia. As tradition insists, the hand paintings are done on metal (probably brass or bronze) with a different image on each side.  The frames are made of silver and sit very nicely on a strand of beads or a ribbon.  I love them on velvet ribbon with the bow tied in the front where it can be seen.  One can often see the knots and the bows as these are tied on as they are items of devotional thoughts not objects of jewellery.  A great reference book is "Relicarios:  Devotional Miniatures from the Americas" by Martha Egan.  The idea of the relicarios was brought to the new world during the colonial period, and the pieces have changed to reflect a different kind of a soul. I bought three of these, all that were available, listed two on my Americas page, and kept this, the largest one.  It measures 3 3/4 inches tall plus hanging loop.    (sold)
   COL80.   This strand of preColumbian (preHispanic) beads from the Tairona people of Colombia is ready for putting a clasp on it.  Somehow I never got that far, simply leaving it in a storage box for later.  There are 6 "bullet" beads here, the longest one being 1 inch long.  There are two grubs near the front, two crystal pendant beads, a quartz central bead and a variety of carnelian and crystal beads to make up the 21 inch long necklace.  Among the most desireable crystal beads are the ones that are widest at the ends and narrow in the middle.  There is one of these that is 2 1/16 inches long.  The tubular carnelian are bright and "full of life".   (sold)
   COL81.   This strand of preHispanic carnelian beads is from a collection and sold at auction in the nineties.  The collection was created 50 yrs earlier and more.  The beads are bright and "alive" - hard to see in the photo, but they glow with colour.  The entire strand is 14 1/2 inches long with the longest bead being 1 3/4".   (sold)

   COL82.   Here is a very attractive 26 inch long strand of preColumbian carnelian beads from the Tairona people (the premier perfectionist bead-makers) of Colombia.  The grouping of the beads is interesting - it is exactly as it was strung there with a good variety of sizes of beads, including two "arrow" beads and two tubulars.   (sold)
   COL83.   These six preColumbian carnelian tubular beads are sold individually.   (all are now sold)

   COL86.   This necklace has ancient and antique components.  The 18 inch strand is Bactrian carnelians closed with a modern silver "S" hook.  The pendant is a Tibetan seal - a very skinny one less than 1/4 inches across at the seal end.  It is 1 15/16 inches long.  It has a delicate cross-hatching design all over the surface.   $450.US.   (sold)
   COL87.   I bought this 44 inch long necklace of ancient amazonite beads over ten years ago.  Quite a few of them have huge worn holes that one doesn't see on the modern versions.  This is an amazingly long strand impossible for me to wear, but wonderful in my display cabinet.  There is an interesting range of greens in this, all transmitting the idea of age.  The central round bead is 1 1/2 inches in diameter, the tubular bead next to it is 1 7/8 inches long with a 1/4 inch wide hole going through the middle.   (sold)

   COL89.   I collected these ancient stone beads coming out of North Africa over a long period of time, choosing ones that I liked seeing together.  I would put beads into a container and when there were enough, string them together.  The longest pendant bead is 2 inches long.  The diameter of the largest bead is 1 1/8 inches long.   (sold)
   COL90.   This 11+ inch long strand of ancient stone beads coming out of North Africa were collected over a long period of time.  There is an excellent variety of shapes, sizes, and types of stones.  The largest diameter is 1 1/8 inches across.  The pale orange disc bead is 1 1/4 inches across.   (sold)

   COL100.   The search for these Mauritanian bracelets continues - it seems that most that are available are already in collections or being worn.  You can see a variety on page 35 of "A World of Bracelets."  They were actually made to be worn at the ankle as a protection.  This smaller one was probably for a pre-teen or young woman.  According to the book:  "Once the prerogative of noble women, these large and very beautifully worked khalkhal anklets are now bought by anyone who can afford them.  The incised patterns are both decorative and protective.  For example, the circle with a dot at its centre keeps the evil eye away.  The five balls represent the five pillars of Islam."  The decorative rectangle at the front of the bracelet is a little over 1 inch tall and 1 3/8 inches wide.  The bracelet is about 6 3/8 inches around on the inside.   (sold)
   COL101.   Here is a pair of antique silver bracelets from the Golden Triangle (A World of Bracelets page 270).  According to the book's description "Lahu, Akha and Lisu women wear cuffs.  The engraved design of fish bones on the bracelet imitates the applied wires used on others..."  The more modern versions cannot rival the delicacy and the wear on these.  The sheet silver at the ends of the bracelet has been worn to a very narrow (but sturdy) finish.  They fit my oval 6 inch around wrists.  (132 grams the pair)  (sold)

   COL103.   This is a solid metal"ring" with a good percentage of silver in it from East Africa.  It is slightly over 1 inch tall and 1 1/2 inches across the widest diameter.  The hole in the center is 3/4 inch across at the outside and a little narrower on the inside.  It weighs 109 grams so would be a very heavy pendant.   $225.US.   (sold)

   COL104.  This necklace came out of Peru with an interesting group of antique elements to it.  There are red white-hearts from Venice, Russian blues, swirled beads that were traded specifically into South America, as well as a few of the beads that one finds on "Christmas" strands.  There are two oval bronze pendants from religious peregrinaciones.  The central pendant is a cast bronze (preColumbian) figure of a person.  It is 1 3/16 inches tall.  The 19 inch long necklace can just be tied on so could use a clasp - I only had it in a display case so that wasn't necessary.   (sold)
   COL105.   After collecting some silver coins in the antiques/flea markets in México City, I combined them with loose beads that I had sitting at home.  The oldest coin is from 1787 and the newest from 1887.  The largest coin is 1 1/16 inches in diameter, the smallest 9/16.  There are antique Venetian chevrons included, oval red beads from Bohemia, some new silver reproduction beads of Guatemalan pieces, all tied shut (31 inches around) so that it slips over your head.   (sold)
   COL106.   As I often do, I had problems getting the colour of these agates correct.  If you are familiar with these beads you will be familiar with the correct shades - definitely not so pinkish but more peachy.  Etched agates and carnelians come from the Himalayan areas in the Middle East.  Here there are the man-made striped (and spotted) etched beads as well as some naturally striped agates.  It took me a few years of collecting to acquire the perfect combination for a longish necklace.  The necklace is 23 inches around.  The central etched bead is 1 3/16 inch long and 1/2 inch at its widest diameter.  These are all antique & ancient beads except for the small silver beads at the back.   (sold)

   COL107.   There are two necklaces here, each with ancient quartz crystal beads.  In necklace #1 they were traded into North Africa, most likely from India.  In necklace #2 they are from the Mid-East coming out of Afghanistan.  #1 is a 16 inch long combination of transluscent quartz along with carnelian all from the African trade.  $135.US.   #2 is 15 1/4 inch long necklace of clear quartz where you can see the drill holes going through.  The 1 3/4 inch long dark stone pendant is from Iran.  (both are now sold)

   COL110.   I always thought that this was a rather goofy but likeable face.  The preColumbian stone face mask from México is a dark and rich brown colour, 1 7/8 inches tall, 1 1/4 inches wide, and 3/8 inch thick.  I didn't have any beads from México that really suited the mask so turned to ancient carnelian beads coming out of Djenne Mali.  The necklace is 16 1/4 inches around.   (sold)

   COL115.   Here is a gorgeous antique pair of enamelled silver earrings decorated with coral - from Morocco.  These are antique earrings which not newer tourist items.  The would be tricky to insert, needing earholes larger than average and being able to insert the little hook at the end of the loops.  They look great in a collection though.  I had a terrible time trying to photograph them - they do match up nicely though measuring 3 3/4 inches from top of loop to bottom of dangles.   (sold)

   COL118.   This is my last mixed necklace of European trade beads and Mexican silver coins.  It is typically strung as it would be in México but I did put it together myself.  The necklace is 17 1/2 inches around.  Each strand is a slightly different length so that they hang well.  It is common as well to twist the strands together before hooking the necklace shut to shorten it a little as well as wind the strands together.  The smallest coins are 9/16 inch across 5 centavos, and the largest are 7/8 inch across.  Most of the coins are from the late 1800s, a couple are from 1905 or so...   (sold)
   COL119.   Here is a gorgeous tumbaga bird pendant from the Tairona people of Colombia.  It is graceful and delicate with some bits of lost pieces that happened hundreds of years ago.  I don't think that the broken parts are an issue - as the grace of the piece is still strong.  You can see too, that this is no modern copy but an original piece.  Tumbaga is a combination/alloy of gold and copper that the Tairona people worked with.  The bird is 1 7/8 inches tall and the width of the tail is 1 11/16 inches.  It is just strung on a satin cord right now - I hadn't found any other way that I wanted to wear it.   (sold)
   COL120.   6 inch long strand    (sold)

   COL123.   47 grams amazonite beads from Mali - 8 inches long - $385.US.      10 3/4 inch long strand of antique bauxite beads in a gorgeous colour - $110.US.   (sold)

   COL124.   20 1/2 inch long strand of Russian blues - that include green, purple, turquoise, red, as well as blue.   $240.US.   (sold)

   COL128.   Here is a mix of 11 inches of beads from the Tairona culture of Colombia including two grubs and four fat "bullet" beads.  The pale central bead is slightly over 1 1/2 inches long.     (sold)

   COL132.   This gorgeous pendant of a bull's head is carved out of a dark slightly flecked stone.  This was found in the Middle East but needs research to discover its history.  There is a stringing hole at the back of the head.  15mm tall.   (sold)

   COL134.   Here is a group of banded agates, probably from Middle Eastern origin but found in the Suphan Buri area of Thailand.  I have had these for a dozen years or so.  There are 4 1/8 inches of facet beads in the strand, the two at the end being cut into cornerless cubes.  The central bead is just under 15/16 inch long with a diameter of 1/2 inch.  It has 8 sides which have been beautifully carved so that when the bead is rolled out, there are graceful images of two deer or related animals.   (sold)

   COL138.   This is a gorgeous vintage (not antique) Chinese pendant made of a low grade silver but enamelled with rich colours.  It is quite large, 2 3/4 inches across and 2 1/2 inches tall, and the widest part is 7/8 inch thick.  The piece undulates in tall curves.  The chain is 27 inches long.  The piece comes in a satin box so makes a wonderful gift.    (sold)

   COL140.   The facet glass piece in this ring is a gorgeous colour, and nicely has a rectangular opening in the back so that when you are holding it the light flows through.  The front part of the ring is 13/15 inches tall.  The ring is silver and from Afghanistan.  size 11-11.5    (sold)
   COL141.   These crystal beads came out of SouthEast Asia.  The strand is 12 inches long with the fattest round bead at the front measuring 3/4 inch in diameter.  Some spacer beads and a clasp could turn this into a memorable necklace.    (sold)
   COL142.   This is an attractive group of beads with the tubular being much older than the facet - the facet coming out of Ider Oberstein well over a hundred years ago.  The facet bead at the front is 3 1/2 inches long and about 9/15 inch in diameter at the thickest.  The tubulars came out of SouthEast Asia.  The pinkish one below the round bead has an old smoothed chip in it.   The entire strand is 12 1/2 inches long.     (sold)

   COL143.   This is an 8 reale coin from Spain dating from the 1600s or early 1700s.  A coin dealer experienced in the area would have to identify the exact period that the coin would have been made in.  This was bought in Miami and is most likely a shipwreck coin, many of which were found in the waters surrounding Florida.  (12.7grams)  It measures 1 1/4 inches (32mm) across at the longest.  These are often set into silver or gold as pendants.   $250.US.   (sold)

   COL144.   This necklace is strung on waxed cotton - I didn't use anything stronger as I have worn it rarely and for short periods of time so haven't been concerned about breakage - if you were to wear it frequently it might be best to restring on something more durable.  It can be worn with the portraits of Charles IV facing forwards or the shields on the reverse.  I have a narrow neck so it just goes 15 3/4 inches around.  The central coin from Spain is known as a "piece of eight", dated 1808.  It measures 1 9/16 inches across.  The next size of coins are 4 reales, and the last two are 2 reales each.  I believe that these were minted in Potosi, Bolivia, and were eventually used as pendants on necklaces.  This necklace weighs 118.7grams. (sold)

   COL146.   This bracelet was put together over a number of years when I had a street-side bead store.  The expansion bracelet has many loops and most of them now have beads and pendants hanging from them.  I don't believe that there are any two the same.  The inside of the bracelet is 1 7/8 inches across but expands so that you can slip it on easily.  The bracelet itself is 5/8 inch tall and quite heavy with beads.   $350.US.   (sold)
   COL148.   These tiny facet beads are ones that I have used as spacers in the past.  They are gold-filled sterling silver beads, 3 full strands of 8 inches long, plus two clasps and a few loose beads.  The beads are slightly over 1/8 inch in diameter.  $165.US for the group.   (sold)
   COL149.   I always fall in love with good silver Ethiopian crosses especially old ones as these cast ones are...  but at the same time I don't generally wear crosses so I put necklaces together and they sit on a hook among other necklaces.  I often use antique red white-hearts as well as they seem to match up with almost everything.  This necklace is 17 inches long with crosses every 1 1/2 inches or so.  The cross in the middle of the neckace is 1 3/8 inches tall.    (sold)

   COL156.   This necklace is full of hand made vintage brass pieces and measures 20 inches around.  It would need a clasp to slip on as it is too small to go over the head.  The pendant on the front is a little over 1 1/2 inches tall.   $145.US.   (sold)
   COL157.   This 24 inch long necklace is a mix of brass beads and African made sandcast beads.  The bell pendant at the bottom is 1 3/4 inches tall.   $125.US.   (sold)

   COL159.   This is a long spiraled metal necklace from Africa that unloops to more than 32 inches long.  It falls over the head and is worn like that.  I have never had one of these before.  $95.US.   (sold)
   COL160.   This brass & copper necklace is 26 inches long.  It has some great vintage beads on it and can be worn as is, but could be used in pieces for other projects.  $75.US.   (sold)

   COL166.   I have been holding onto this strand for a while planning to add some silver beads and turn it into a necklace.  I haven't done it though, so am adding the beads to this page.  The carving is newish (less than 20 yrs old) and styled in the same way as some preColumbian beads that I have seen in the museums.  The traditionally carved face is a little over 1 1/2 inches tall and an inch wide.  The beads are shaped like melons and add up to 10 inches in length.  The turquoise in brown matrix practically gleams with its rich colours.   (sold)

   COL170.   This antique silver bracelet has been sitting for quite a while so needs a good cleaning.  I left it like this so that the new owner can clean to the degree that they like the best.  The makara heads (Hindu mythology - half mammal, half fish) come together to clasp the bracelet which opens by pulling out a post.  The post is fastened in so cannot be lost.  It is a small bracelet that fits closely on my 6 inch wrist.  The rounder the wrist the more comfortable the fit.  The bracelet measures 1 3/4 inches by 2 inches across the inside.  This was bought in Afghanistan but could have originated in India or area.   91.7 grams.   $650.US.   (sold)

   COL171.   I have left this antique necklace exactly as it was when I bought it, so it would probably be happy with a re-stringing.  It is very charming with two strands of 25 1/2 inches of coral beads.  The beads are attached to an antique pendant - I wear it backwards though, with the pendant sitting at the back of my neck and being a bit of a surprise.  It isn't strung so that it sits well at the front, though it could be.  The pendant is made of silver 1 1/4 inch across.  It has a carnelian in the center and uses the old fashioned way of setting turquoise coloured beads into a pitch to hold them in.  The piece has been damaged in the past (click here for an enlargement) but I do like the look that it has.    (sold)

   COL172.   This coral necklace is 17 3/4 inches around.  It has silver dividers and 3 North African coin pendants.  The central pendant is a little over 1 1/2 inches long.  I did keep meaning to restring it with more coin pendants, but having this business I wasn't keeping them for myself.  The Nigerian coral has a good colour.  (92 grams)   $850.US.   (sold)

   COL178.   Here is a brilliant beautiful shawl pin from Bolivia.  I have never had such a gorgeous sterling silver one before (the most common ones are made of mixed metals).  You can see one on page 402 of "A World of Necklaces" - which is very similar.  The author of the book says that these were inspired by Spanish jewellery.  The eagle most likely signifies freedom and liberty.  It emerges from the flower above a twisted pin.  Attached is a chain with an old coin - I can't read the date.  The pin is 8 1/8 inches tall and the widest part of the flower is 2 3/8 inches across.  (sold)

   COL180.  This contemporary silver ring was made to hold a pottery skull/calavera found close to the pyramids of Teotihuacan.  The head is almost 1 1/4 inches tall and a warm brown colour.  The ring is a size 6.5, a woman's size.  This is a ring that one should be careful with as the main part is made of pottery.  (sold)

   COL184.   Collections of coins and beads are very popular in Central & South America.  This 33 inch long strand is from Guatemala and includes 46 coins.  The are 1 real and 1/2 real coins dating from 1900 to 1912.  The colourful beads are all trade beads from Europe.  Different areas in Guatemala had different preferences for favourite colours.  The most traditional colour was red, imitating the image of coral but with the trade beads blue became popular as well.   (sold)

   COL185.   Here is a nicely worn ancient metal bead/pendant/stamp seal.  I am not sure if it is a winged creature doing something - research needs to be done by the new owner.  The stamp side is a little more than 1/2 inch tall.  The hole in the piece is large, 5/16 inch across.  (sold)

   COL187.   You can see variations of this silver minority neckring or torque in the well illustrated book "Four Centuries of Silver" by Margaret Duda.  It is meant to hold a lock, qilin or pendant.  This enamelled one from the Qing dynasty is among the most attractive of those in the photos.  This has two hinges so that it can be fully opened - they are where the turquoise bead shaped pieces are.  The hooks are attractive and a good size for fastening the pendants onto.  The torque is 7 3/8 inches wide.  It is 7 3/4 inches from front to back plus the hooks/loops.  The piece is lightly tarnished and I do like it that way, though it can easily be shone until it gleams.  $850.US.   (sold)

   COL191.   This necklace made of red whiteheart beads (very typical of me) has a group of tiny hand milagros from Oaxaca, Mexico.  I fell in love with them and bought all of the ones that the jeweller had.  They are typically used as a single hand at the bottom of an earring.  The central hand is the longest - 7/8 inch long plus hanging loop.  The necklace is 16 1/2 inches long (again - typical for me).  The necklace has a sterling silver hook at the back.   $350.US.   (sold)

   COL196.   This is a beautiful and unusual collection of Islamic jet beads from Iran.  The wonderful thing about these beads is that they have decorations on both sides, traditional dot patterns on one side, and Islamic script on the other.  I imagine that those are most likely phrases from the Koran.  The necklace was sitting in a collection and has not been re-strung for wear.  It would sit better if it was properly re-strung as it doesn't fall totally smoothly as you can see in the photos.  There are 10 1/2 inches of the diamond & teardrop shaped beads, then an additional 4 1/2 inches of plain beads to make 15 inches of beads in total.  They are all on a heavy string which was used for display.  (a photo is here)  The layers of beads in the front are 1 1/4 inches tall.  The little spacer beads between the diamonds on the top row are ancient pressed glass beads.  This is a very collectible rare group of beads which could be made into a notable necklace.   (sold)

   COL198.  This is from the collection of a friend of mine and is a vintage piece from Italy.  This is not silver but a metal combo that looks exactly like silver, just weighs a little less.  It is quite stupendous with large facet blue glass stones, slightly darker in colour than in this photo.  This really catches attention in a terrific way, I just can't take my eyes off it.  The bracelet hinges open and is held shut with a peg.  It is slightly oval and measures 2 1/4 inches by 2 3/8 inch across on the inside.  Do measure it against a bracelet that fits comfortably.  The bracelet is 1 1/8 inches tall.   (sold)

   COL201.   I did have this bracelet for sale before but then could not part with it.  Truly I don't wear it enough to keep it though - it needs to be worn often to keep the lustre of the silver.  The bracelet goes 7 inches around and 5 1/2 inches of that is made up of silver pieces.  It is 1/2 inch tall.  I have seen lots of antique bracelets from India strung onto cords but I have never seen another like this.  This is a gentle "self defense" bracelet from Rajasthan.   (sold)

   COL202.   This strand of Baltic amber is still exactly the same as when I bought it - a vintage stringing...  At 16 inches around it sits very nicely around my neck but I would think about a restringing for security.   The largest central  amber drop is 1 3/4 inches tall.  The drops are a rich warm colour of natural amber.  (sold)
   COL203.   This is a gorgeous agate and silver pendant from the designer Gabriela Sanchez.  I sell her work on the "Contemporary Jewellery" page but this was my own limited edition piece.  This piece was made for Bellas Artes and is strongly influenced by the architecture and design of the building.  The central piece is a natural slice of agate & crystal framed in silver.  You can see the back of the piece here. 

   COL216.  

   COL219.   These antique coral beads came out of Nigeria, Africa but were bought in Mauritania.   I made this necklace of coral and granite more than 15 years ago when it was still possible to buy something wonderful like the repaired central bead (thought I can't see what needed repair) with the graceful band of silver going around it.  There is a bead to one side wrapped tight with a copper wire.  The central bead is 1 1/2 inches wide and slightly over 5/8 inch in diameter.  The necklace is a little over 19 inches around.  $950.US.   (sold)

   COL227.   I bought this Navajo bracelet in the 1980s when it was already a vintage piece, probably made for the tourist trade in the 1950s.  It is nicely stamped and has a 5/8 inch wide slice of turquoise at the front.  The bracelet is 7/8 wide at the widest.  The inside is 2 1/8 inches by 1 1/2 inches with an opening slightly under 3/4 inches across.  It has a little give to it when putting it on and sits nicely on my 6 inch wrist.   (sold)

   COL228.   This Native American sterling silver ring from British Columbia Canada needs a cleaning.  It has been sitting in a display case for a while.  This Haida bear mask is gracefully made and very attractive on the finger.  It is 7/8 inches tall and 3/4 inches wide.  The ring band is an uneven square shape and fits a size 8.5 or so.   There is no makers mark.  It is lightly worn and was probably made in the 1950s.  (sold)

   COL229.   This is a piece from a company called Citlali in Guadalajara, Mexico designed by Rosana Sánchez daughter of jeweller Francisco Sánchez.  This birdcage always gives me a smile and as you can see in the photo, the cage door slides open.   The piece is 2 3/8 inches tall and has a loop at the back to either string it with (it came with a ribbon) or to put a chain through.   It is just on a suede style cord right now.  (sold)   

   COL230.   This is the last piece that I bought from Lou Zeldis, an interesting and charismatic man who lived in Bali and ran workshops there to create his very original jewellery.  I was happy to have known him even for a short time.  This peace symbol pendant is made from a stone found in Bali, wrapped in sterling silver bands.  It is similar on the front and on the back.  On the hanging loop is stamped his name.  The stone is 2 inches tall plus hanging loop.  The chain is 18 inches around and has his name on the hook.  (sold)

   COL231.  I have yet another double stranded necklace (needs restringing) made up of trade beads (Yellow vaseline beads) and 55 coins from Guatemala (1/2 real and 1 real - dated around 1900).  This is a typical necklace to wear showing one's wealth.  I like the fact that everything is strung onto a red cord for contrast although it does need to be replaced.   The 1/2 real coins are 3/4 inch in diameter.  Most of the coins are 1 real and they are 13/16 inch in diameter.  The coins were holed early in their lives and have a good silver content.  This is a heavy piece with the entire necklace being over 25 inches around so that it can be slipped over the head.   $800.US.   (sold)

  COL238.    What an amazing hair pin.  It could of course be used as a hat pin instead.  This is an antique silver piece from the collection of a long time dealer.  I did actually forget to ask him exactly where he bought it so will have to check.  The 5 inch long pin is hammered silver with X's hammered into the four sides.  Two coins sit above, the large one (1 9/16 inch across/40mm) coming from Mexico.  I can't read the date but it is from the 1800s.  The Mexican "Libertad" coin has a hole drilled into it so was once worn and somehow travelled to SouthEast Asia.   The smaller coin above is 15/16 inch across and from Kwang-Tung Province in China.  This is the first hair pin that I have seen using coins - the workmanship on the pin itself reminds me of Miao work.   (sold)

   COL240.   There are two strands of preColumbian stone beads illustrated here, each with a mix of stones in them.  These strands include jade from Chiapas - that unusual rich green (though strand #1 includes very pale jade as well) that one doesn't find in the other States.  Strand #1 is just enough for a memorable necklace (perhaps needing some filler beads and a clasp) - 14 inches long with the central bead just under 7/8 inch in diameter.  Strand #2 is also 14 inches long with a mix of beads at the front.  The jade has a nice warm sense to it.  The dark stone tube at the front is 3/4 inch across.     (both are now sold)
   COL241.   This bead strand is very heavy - the Chiapas jade is dense and hard.  The entire strand is 16 inches long and the fat central tubular bead is 2 1/4 inches across and a little over 5/8 inch in diameter at the fattest.  The colouring on these strands is very hard to capture with the digital camera but it is soothing, warm, a little complex and compelling.  These are very difficult to come across so thank goodness for decades old collections...   (sold)
   COL242.   This is very much a one of a kind necklace.  PreColumbian/PreHispanic Chiapan jade beads carved in a variety of shapes.  The curves in some of the beads remind me of ancient pyu beads from Burma at times.  How the graceful shapes emerged in different parts of the world.  This strand is 20 inches long with the central tubular bead 2 inches across.  There is a huge variety of colours of green in these beads - it is a very collectible, very rare strand and would make a beautiful museum quality necklace.   $1550.US.   (sold)

   COL243.  

   COL248.   These two antique silver pendants were from the collection of a woman who bought wonderful items when she lived in China over 30 years ago.  Her collections focussed on textiles but I found these beautiful pieces among them.  This pendant is quite heavy and substantial and very very gracefully shaped.  The locket has writing (see photo) on one side and floral designs on the other.  It hangs with 2 chains from the upper piece, all measuring 4 1/8 inches tall.  The width of the locket is 2 3/16 inches wide and 1 inch thick.  Very substantial.  For a great research book on antique silver from China, do buy"Four Centuries of Silver" by Margaret Duda.  A great book!!!  Meanwhile this pendant needs a good polishing.  $465.US.   (sold)

   COL250.   Here is a strand of antique amber beads from Mauritania.  There are 19 inches of beads on the strand with the largest being a little over 1 inch in diameter.  A bead at one end is capped with metal.  There is one damaged bead that has been glued but all of the other beads are in good condition with a very nice patina.  Please enquire if you are interested.    (sold)
   COL251.  I have two strands of ancient chalcedony here that have just come out of a long time collection.  You can see enlargements of the beads here and here.  Strand #1 is 22 inches long.  The widest bead at the front is 1 1/4 inches across.  Strand #2 is 21 1/2 inches long.  The widest bead at the front is slightly over 1 inch across.  (both are now sold)

   COL253.   This necklace came from San Pedro Quiatoni a Zapotec community in the Tlacolula district in the State of Oaxaca.  I first saw a strand in an antique store in the city of Oaxaca about 35 years ago and fell in love with it.  This is a gorgeous strand with lovely details on the beads and some small spotted Venetians.  One strand is mostly coral with the glass, and the other strand is mostly glass beads.  The coral and red glass have better colours in real life - they are washed out in the photo.  Enlargement.  The beaded parts of the strands are 18 inches long (they were restrung by the collector) and the longest hanging bead is a clear one over 3 inches long.  It is still not clear where the long beads were manufactured, some researchers feeling that it was Venice in the 1500-1600s and others suggesting that a glass factory in Peubla (still famous for their glass manufacturing) could have been the source. 

   COL254.   These beads from a long time collection are known as the African trade version of Nueva Cadiz beads.  The original beads that were traded by the Spanish into South America hundreds of years ago were much thinner, of finer glass and often had a twist to them.  These are antique beads but manufactured for trade into Africa.  The strand is 20 inches long and richly coloured.  There is one banged up bead that you can see in the enlargement but the rest have the usual small bits of damage here and there as is common with these beads.    (sold)

   COL255.   Here is a weathered strand of very old (centuries) oval Himalayan pema raka carnelian beads.  Between them are antique glass beads (a little more red than the carnelian - unhappily you can't see that in the photo) which are probably imitating the more rare round pema raka.  The beads have been used in Tibetan medicine for their healing properties for hundreds of years, documented from the 12th Century upwards.   The carnelian beads add up to about 16 1/4 inches of the strand.  (the entire strand is 23 inches long)  The four oval beads at the back are antique glass as are the round beads.  This is a gorgeous mix of glass and stone made from beads that are becoming rarer and rarer to find.   (sold)

   COL258.   Glazed chalcedony beads have been found in Afghanistan and Iran largely thought to be dating to the Sassanian period (200-600AD).  These beads made of white chalcedony have been carved into a variety of symbolic shapes and then coloured with a strong blue glass glaze.  According to the valuable book "Collectible Beads" - "Glazing is the immediate predecessor to faience and was applied to both soft and hardstones , ranging from steatite or soapstone to quartz crystal."  Perhaps they were imitating the colour of lapis or turquoise.   After long wear, much of the glaze has worn off but some lovely details remain to remind one of the past.  This strand is  20 1/2 inches long.  The largest diameter of a bead is 3/4 inch.  (sold)

   COL260.   I have happily acquired more interesting items from the same collector as above.  Illustrated is a multi-strand (5) vintage sterling silver (marked .925) necklace from ZINA in Taxco, Guerrero, México, the silver town popularized by William Spratling.  The silver bead strands are 15 1/2 to 17 inches in length so gather nicely around the neck.   The largest diameter bead is 5/8 inch in diameter, and the smallest 1/4 inch in diameter.  The clasp holds nicely and tightly.  This is a very attractive and dramatic piece.    (sold)

   COL262.   These antique glass rice beads came out of SouthEast Asia.  Most of the 4 strands are wound black beads but the small group at the back are the colour of turquoise.  It is a great combination and a nice surprise change in colour.  You can see an enlargement here.  The strands are 24 inches long and the beads are nicely irregular so have a very natural, rather organic look to them.  This simply slips over the head with no clasp involved.   (sold)

   COL264.   Here is a strand of ancient beads brought out of Afghanistan.  It was originally sold in this combination of glass and crystal.  Some small gold coloured metal beads have been added as well.  The strand is 25 inches long and can be slipped over the head.  The largest crystal bead near the front is a little under 5/8 inch in diameter.  I think that some of the crystal beads had been glazed with blue once upon a time - as there seems to still be a bit remaining in some of the stringing holes.  I get some flashes of blue when I move them in the light.   The glass beads with gold are most likely late Roman.  The combination is very attractive.   (sold)

   COL265.   This strand of largely ancient beads has some sturdy crystal ones mixed with glass beads and one carnelian.  The strand is a little over 23 inches long and the fattest crystal bead at the front is 3/4 inch in diameter.  One can clearly see the drill holes coming from each direction in the clear crystal beads.   I believe that the quartz crystal here is from Thailand, possibly from Ban Chiang or China.   $650.US.   (sold)

   COL267.   This ancient strand of green glass beads is Islamic or older, probably made in a glass factory in North Africa.  There are 18 3/4 inches of beads on the strand.    (sold)

   COL270.   PreColumbian sodalite has become very collectible and rare to find.  I was delighted to be offered this nice long (25 1/2 inches long) strand from a long standing collection.  The beads average 1/2 inch in diameter.  The longest bead is 1 3/8 inches in length, and the shortest is 1 inch.  Robert Liu shows a broken bead on page 148 of "Collectible Beads".  The last time that I had a strand it came out of Bolivia close to Peru where it was highly cherished.  There is more dark blue in the actual beads than in the photo - it is hugely difficult to get blue beads exactly correct in colour - they look a little faded in the photos and have more oomph in real life.  To see the ends of the beads, here is an enlargment.   $1100.US.   (sold)

   COL272.   This silver (not sterling grade) dragon bracelet came out of Tibet.   According to the valuable book "A World of Bracelets" by Anne Van Cutsem:  "In Tibet, the dragon, which is considered peaceful and a bearer of good luck, only appears on Buddhist jewels.  It probably came from China, where it controls the rain that fertilizes Mother Earth."  The bracelet is solid  and quite heavy weighing 147.9grams.   The inside measurements are 2 1/8 inches by 1 1/2 inches with an opening of slightly over 3/4 inch.  These are for a slim wrist that can slip into that space - no larger than 5 1/2 inches around.   $385.US.   (sold)

   COL276.   Necklace coming out of Timor...   $110.US.   (sold)

   COL277.   PreColumbian from México - a nice assortment from a long time collector - all sold together.  There are three shell pendants with the longest one being slightly over 2 3/4 inches long.  They all have symbolic carving on them, are pierced with stringing holes and are ready to use as pendants.  The pale green strand of beads is 9 inches long and very delicate.  The three flat stone pieces are all pierced to use as pendants.   (sold)

   COL278.   This strand of snake beads is 8 feet long (245cm) and the beads average 1/4 inch in diameter.  It is quite an amazing strand with some great colours in it.  Collected long ago - $150.US.   Strand #2 is a group of curved Venetian trade beads adding up to 21 inches - $75.US.   (sold)

   COL279.   Every once in a while I wind up with a necklace of burmite (Burmese amber) beads from Burma (Myanmar), a rare find.  The collector bought this necklace on a trip to SE Asia a few years ago.  The spacers between these beads are the typical aluminum, shaped very nicely as a contrast to the glowing colour of the burmite.  The necklace is about 26 inches around and the fattest central bead is an inch in diameter.  There is old damage (mostly smoothed down) on two of the beads in the front as you can see in the enlarged photo.  Another skinny bead has a little old chipping on it.  The rest of the beads show their wear very nicely as burmite is soft and can change by being rubbed often.  You can see a strand of similar burmite on page 243 of "A World of Necklaces" where the description says:  "Worn by Miao women the necklace is made of burmite, amber from Burma known in China in the Han period (second century BC to second century AD).  It is appreciated for its reddish brown colour."  $1100.US.   (sold)

   COL281.   This ancient strand of carnelian was dated to 300-200BC and is from the collection of James Lankton, a well known bead researcher and the creator of the Bead Timeline.  The strand of beads is 29 inches long with the largest bead 3/4 inch in diameter.  The facet bead at the end is a little over 7/8 inches long.  The colours are less harsh than they appear on the photo, in beautiful shades.  There are decent reasonably straight holes going through the beads.   $650.US.   (sold)

   COL282.   This Tibetan silver and turquoise necklace is a purchase from the 70s by the owner of an old bead store that no longer exists.  The necklace is 19 inches long and the pieces of turquoise wrapped in silver average 1 3/4 inches long.  There is a very hard, solid, tar like substance pressed into the back.  These are lovely antique pieces with a chain in the back and an "S" hook to close it shut.  The piece weighs 106.4 grams. $520.US.   (sold)

   COL288.   This strand of ancient crystal/quartz beads came from the collection of James Lankton,

   COL289.   It was a little difficult to photograph the pendants on this necklace as the images are covered with glass catching reflections from the window - the images of Ganesh (Ganapati) are lovely though with attractive strong colours.   Ganesh is the god of wisdom and learning, and assists in success in life.  The silver necklace is 17 inches around when closed.  The clasp is in the form of a button that closes tightly and securely.  There are 12 images in all, with the pendants just under 7/8 inch across.  It sits very nicely when worn.   (sold)

   COL291.   This strand of antique/ancient jade and carnelian beads is from the Pyu people of Myanmar/Burma.  The strand is mixed so that the ages of pieces differ but it is a beautiful grouping that would make a memorable necklace.  The longest carnelian bead is 1 5/8 inches long, and the longest jade bead is 1 9/16 inches long.  There is a variety of shapes of the beads as well.  The necklace is 17 inches long and ready to be restrung.   (sold)
   COL292.   What a beautiful strand of ancient/antique blue chalcedony.  I can't date it with any accuracy (and there is no information from the collector) but when you look at the close up you can see that these are attractive very very old beads.  There are 21 inches of beads on the strand.  They have a touch of the colour of lilac to them but I couldn't reproduce their exact colour in the photo.  (sold)
   COL293.   What a wonder - an ancient stone bracelet from the Pyu people of Myanmar/Burma.  A similar one was found in an excavation at Taungthaman.  A more perfectly shaped one is on page 261 of "A World of Bracelets" by Anne van Cutsem.  The author says:  "Burma - stone - This unusually shaped bracelet was excavated and may have been made around 1500BC."  This is a large dramatic sculptural piece measuring 6 1/2 by 5 inches across with a 2 1/4 inch diameter wrist hole.  At the thickest part the bracelet is a little over 3/8 inch thick.  This would be a great piece in a display cabinet.  It could be worn of course, if your hand slipped into it and you didn't mind the weight.   (sold)

   COL297.   These gorgeous Yemeni earrings came from a west coast collector.  The earrings have regular earwires attached for comfort.  The pendants are 3 3/8 inches tall including the pendants and each earring weighs around 22 grams so it is more weight than the average european style earrings.  The fine detailing in the silverwork is fascinating.   (sold)

   COL298.   This 26 inch long strand of carnelian beads came out of a long standing collection.  Most of these antique beads are tubular with only one end ground down.  Fascinating.  The colours are deep and rich - and here is a close-up.  $380.US.   (sold)

   COL302.   I bought a group of Chiapan jade items in the Fall but the collector held back this strand and one other.  When I visited him again, he offered them to me and I immediately bought them as they are very beautiful and very rare.  This small strand has a variety of colours and shapes within it so is an excellent example.  There are 12 inches (30.5cm) of beads in this group with the half round pendant in the middle measuring 18mm across.  The longest tubular is a little over 7/8 inches long.  This was in a collection in Oaxaca for a long time with the beads having been bought a little at a time to add up to this strand.   (sold)
   COL303.   This is the last strand of beads from the collection of Chiapan (Chiapas, Mexico) jade that I have been buying.  The entire strand is 20 3/4 inches long with the longest tubular bead a little over 2 inches long - 5.2cm.  The beads are not as intense as the ones in COL302 but are still clearly beautiful jade beads.  If I had time I would have strung this up with a gold clasp as it will be an amazing necklace.   (sold)

   COL317.   There are three strands of Tibetan turquoise beads illustrated here.  Strand #1 is 17 inches long (29 grams).  These are the smallest beads of the group.  $87.US.   Strand #2 is 27 inches long (82 grams).  $246.US.   Strand #3 is 14 inches long (52 grams).  The beads are flattish and 2 beads have double holes in them.  There is 1 bead that has a hole in the middle - so there are 3 beads that do not have the normal holes from one end to the other.  Some are a little lopsided and all are attractive.  $156.US.   (sold)

   COL319.   This Chinese necklace is 19 inches long and has a number of antique pieces hanging from it.  The bottom pendant is 3 3/4 inches tall.  There are carnelians as well as a piece of turquoise.  This is a great bargain.  (sold)

   COL322.   This is a strand which is largely antique Pumtek beads that were bought by the collector over 40 years ago.  She is a jeweller and strung the beads with contemporary silver beads and an "S" hook so that it could be worn (the strand is 21 1/2 inches long).  The collector also made a silver wrap around the one broken bead.  Pumteks are made from fossilized wood (petrified) found in Burma.  These decorated beads are heirloom beads for the Chin people of the "Golden Triangle."  There are many articles online talking about the history of these beads as well as articles in Ornament magazine and various bead books so they can be easily researched.  A strand very similar to this one is illustrated on page 83 of "Collectible Beads."  How the designs were applied is still somewhat of a mystery.  The colouring of these beads is the most correct in the preview photo and the illustration of the beads on the necklace support.  Here is another illustration of the strand.  These enlargements are too warm in colour but hopefully are helpful in seeing them closer.  There are four "special" beads on the strand with patterns different than the others - my favourite is the central bead with many stripes. (sold)

  COL325.   This is a gorgeous silver bracelet that came out of an old collection in Afghanistan.  The collector was accumulating material to resell as well, and I listed those items on the East page.  This is a very unusual bracelet which has a catch so that the back part swings open.  The inside opening is slightly under 2 1/2 inches across and 1 7/8 inches from the back of the bead to the back of the bracelet.  The front of the bracelet is 3 1/2 inches across.  I love the construction of this piece and have not found an illustration of anything similar.  $345.US.   (sold)

  COL331.   This is a creamy coloured strand of antique Nagaland shell beads.  You can see beads like these on pages 326 to 333 of the book "The Nagas:  Hill Peoples of Northeast India." The Nagas often wore combinations of shell beads with glass beads that were traded in, or with carnelians.  Different styles of ornament differentiated people from different villages.  This necklace is from a European collection and includes a fat carnelian beads.  The entire necklace is 28 inches long and the carnelian bead is 1 1/8 inches long with some vague facets cut into it. $285.US.   (sold)

  COL333.   This strand of ancient quartz came from a European collection.  The strand is quite long at 28 inches and has a very sweet pendant on it that is almost 1 1/4 inches long.  The beads are lightly creamy in colour and came from a dig in Mali on the trade route across North Africa.  These have become quite rare.  The strand includes both transluscent and opaqu beads with slightly different tones of colour.   $275.US.   (sold)

   COL343.   I have never seen an Afghani silver bead like this strung so nicely as a pendant.  This came from a Paris collection.  The bead has the red Bohemian glass bead as decoration on one side, and the typical silver flower shape on the other.  The pendant is 3 1/2 inches long from end to end.  The maximum length of the cord is 26 inches around but there is a slider at the back so that you can shorten it to the best length.  I really like it worn quite close to the neck but we are all different.  $110.US.   (sold)

   COL344.   These antique silver earrings from Afghanistan are quite perfect.  They are 4 inches tall from the top of the earwire to the bottom of the pendants.  Each earring weighs about 25 grams so they are quite heavy and need strong earholes to support them.  They hang beautifully though.  The decorative ovals have dark red glass in them and the ends of the pendants have dusty red/brown glass beads.  This style needs a lot of complex work to manufacture - really lovely.  The dome is just over 3/4 inch across at its widest.   $135.US.   (sold)

  COL336.   This lovely North African (though the beads might also be from Yemen) collection of beads comes from a European collection.  It was made into a very attractive necklace of antique black coral, amber and silver beads.  There is one turquoise bead included.  Here is an enlargement so that you can see the grain on the coral.   The necklace is 25 inches around and closed with an amber button.  The black coral was probably once part of a mala or prayer beads.  This is a real treasure.   $650.US.    (sold)

   COL337.    Here is a nice old strand of amber beads from a European collection.  They have a string through them so they can be worn as a bracelet as is.  The beads themselves are 5 1/2 inches in length.  The bead with the largest diameter is 5/8 inch across.  Here is an enlarged photo so you can see the details of the beads.  I don't know the history of this amber but do know that it is attractive.   $150.US.   (sold)

   COL338.   This blue antique strand of glass beads came from a European collection.  The beads are a nice variety of sizes and shades of blue.  The strand is 9 inches long.  The large white spotted bead is 5/8 inch across and Chinese.  The two striped beads are ancient.  $95.US.   (sold)

   COL339.   Here are two small groups of shell beads from a European collection.  Group #1 on the left  average 1/2 inch (13mm) in diameter.  $35.US.   Group #2 are 5 3/8 inches (136mm) long.  It includes one very dark Tibetan turquoise bead.  $65.US.   (both are now sold)

   COL346.   This silver antique Chinese ring has been beautifully enamelled with gorgeous colours.  It is a size 7.5.  There is broken enamel on once side of the ring which is why the price is discounted.  It is still very attractive.   $55.US.

   COL347.   Here is three strand necklace made of vintage turquoise beads along with silver from India.  The necklace was put together by the collector and is quite heavy - about 9.9 ounces (280 grams).  The bead strands are 15-16 inches long.  There are pendants at the end of the bead strands that are each about 1 1/4 inches long so that the entire length of the necklace when closed is 19 1/2 inches long.  (about 50cm)  This could easily be used to make 3 separate necklaces.  The longest turquoise bead is 1 1/4 inches long.  The holes are hand drilled, a little wider at one end than at the other.  The beads could have originally been worn in Tibet but I have no history of the components.   (sold)

   COL350.   There are two very attractive antique Venetian glass trade beads on these earrings.  The earrings measure 1 5/8 inches tall from the top of the earwire to the bottom of the beads.  The earrings are silver, and do need a cleaning.   $95.US.   (sold)

   COL351.   This is a very eclectic necklace with charms from a wide range of places.  The collector bought the bits and pieces while traveling.  The charms that have been added to the sterling siver chain are from China, India, Thailand, and I don't know where else.  I love how the collection hangs.  The chain is 18 1/2 inches long and beautifully put together with silver chains and wires.  I was immediately charmed by this.   $275.US.   (sold)

   COL352.   These three beads from Africa are strung onto a 26 inch long woven leather cord.   Two beads are glass trade beads, and the center is granite found, shaped and holed in Africa.  The granite is 2 inches long.   $65.US.   (sold)

   COL355.   Here is a lovely antique hamsa (khamsa) strung up with antique Venetian red whiteheart beads.  The hamsa is from Morocco where old ones are very difficult to encounter these days.  Since it has protective powers as an amulet of the hand holding away danger, it is very collectible.  It measures 3 1/4 inches tall and 2 inches across at the widest.  The patterns have been cut into the silver in a graceful way.  The 3 strands of beads go 22 inches around and close with a SS "S" hook.  Here is another view.   $345.US.   (sold)

   COL368.   These antique Berber silver enamelled pendant beads are from a Paris collection.  They were bought in Morocco decades ago.  These are sold together and complement each other very well.  Each pendant has a piece of coral at the bottom and a hanging loop at the top.  There is a small amount of typical damage on the enamel - but they still look great strung up.  Antique pieces like this are very difficult to find these days.  The largest pendant is a little under 1 3/4 inches tall, and the smallest is just under 1 1/8 inch tall.  These have a very attractive and robust look to them.  $190.US/3 pendants (24.8 grams)(sold)

   COL370.  

   COL376.   This is a gorgeous collection of beads from the Tairona people of Colombia, South America.  The beads are preHispanic - preColumbian and made by premiere stone workers in the mountains.  The strand is 25 inches around and made of creamy stone beads along with the carnelians.  The carnelians express life in a robust way.  The longest beads in the front are 1 1/2 inches long.  It is great how some are fat, and others slim, and how they reduce in size going around to the back.  This can be worn just by pulling it over the head.  I do love the work of the Tairona beadmakers - they were very famous for their skills.  (sold)

   COL378.   I came across this vintage silver Bolivian shawl pin in Mexico City.  This is in beautiful condition.  The pin is 5 3/4 inches across and is a little over 4 inches long from the top of the images to the bottom of the dangles.  The dangles carry items important to the life of the wearer - a bird, a key and a spoon.  This is very wearable if you have a shawl or a sweater with a loose weave or knit so that the pin can be pushed through.  The cast design at the top includes a monkey at the left, a sirena or mermaid playing an instrument like a guitar, and an indigenous man.  The design is really quite beautiful.  This is very collectible.  $235.US.  (sold)