PIECES FROM COLLECTIONS:
I
have finally created a page for finished items coming straight from
collections (mine and others). My pages are such a confusion of
different kinds of items that I am going to try to organize better.
This is a beginning... please keep checking this page as I
will be constantly adding new items, collected and treasured for
years - the newest items have the largest numbers so are way down near the bottom of the page...
(for questions please email: sales@oldbeads.com)
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.
COL34.
This is my favourite of all of the Timorese bracelets that I
have had, and for a long time I couldn't part with it. It is a
beautiful wearable sculptural piece although it was most likely made to
be held tightly in the hand by a traditional dancer. That is why
the shape is wider than an average wrist would be. The inside of
the bracelet is 2 1/2 inches at the widest. The bird in the
middle is 1 1/2 inches across and 1 inch tall. There are 5 birds
altogether. $750.US.
COL35.
This is an old sandcast Navajo bracelet that I bought in the
early 1980s from a vintage shop. Somebody must have tried to
change the size which you cannot do with a sandcast piece as it has no
flexible grain to the silver - and it was once broken and repaired.
You can barely see where that is. The inside of the
bracelet is 2 1/8 inches by 1 1/2 inches. It needs to fit quite
closely so do measure against a close fitting bracelet that you have.
$250.US.
COL39.
I have no history for this pendant. I just found it
fascinating and have a strong feeling that it is one of a kind,
designed and made for some personal aesthetic and reason. The
body of this pendant is copper that has been hammered into shape.
The piece of the copper for the shape of the head is a flat piece
which has a piece of silver coloured material soldered onto it as a
face. I wish I did have a story to provide. It has been
around a while, worn and banged up a bit with the colour altered by
time... The man is 4 3/4 inches tall. $175.US.
COL41.
This is a gorgeous greenstone Mayan face mask made so that it
could be hung like a pendant. This was broken long ago so the
chin is missing. It was broken across the eyes and has been
repaired, again, long ago. I would not try hanging it from the
two stringing holes unless I was sure that the repaired break was
absolutely strong. I have simply had this piece sitting in a
display case along with preColumbian beads. The mask is 2 3/4
inches tall and 2 1/4 inches at the widest. The back has an
attractive curve to it. $550.US.
COL42.
Here is a1950s souvenir bracelet from Rome (not sterling - I am
not sure what material has been used though it has the "look" of
silver). Modern souvenirs don't have the charm of the ones made
in the 40s through 60s so I am always looking for the old ones.
Although I have visited a few places in Italy I have never been
to Rome so it seemed a little silly to hold onto this. There are
four different images on the coins and you can check a close-up here. $145.US.
COL44.
I am selling these two necklaces together as that is how I made
them to be worn - separate or together, with one pendant or the other
over-lapping. The shorter antique natural coral necklace is 18
inches long and has a Moroccan box pendant (silver in the front, brass
in the back) 1 1/16 inches square. The second necklace is 20
inches long and has a Moroccan box pendant 1 1/2 by 5/8 inches.
The "S" hook clasps are sterling silver. The coral is a
richer colour than it appears in the photo. $600.US/for both
necklaces together.
COL48.
I bought this necklace in a Mexico City antiques market.
It is quite an unusual combination and I was wondering if it was
a slightly modern interpretation of traditional Mexico. The
silver chain necklace is 25 inches long and from it hang two groups of
silver bells as well as some milagros of chickens, birds and some
symbolic shapes that make me think of images from the State of
Tlaxcala. There are two carved stone leaves attached as well,
each one measuring 2 1/2 inches long. There are also two amber
coloured beads. It was quite a surprise to see something so
curious. $475.US.
COL53.
This is a very attractive amulet necklace from the mid-East. I
have never worn it, it just sat in one of my display cases so has never
been cleaned or brightened up. I generally do that a bit by
rubbing silver with my hands, and also rubbing with a polishing cloth
with just the tiniest amount of "rouge" on it. The 4 inch long
amulet opens at one end but is empty. There are stamped dangles
hanging from it. What I love the most though are the pendants cut
from sheet silver with decorative lines on them - illustrating birds
fish, people, etc. I hadn't seen a piece quite like it
before. The chain is 21 inches long and tied with cord at the
back so that it slips over the head. At the back are some 3
dimensional pendants. $750.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 like these
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 you
can see the etching on the back of the leg milagro with the initials
and date "H.G. 1948". The arm has been repaired from behind at
the wrist, the larger chicken is beautifully pattered with its
feathers. The arm is 2 1/16 inches tall plus loop. I can no
longer find the original vintage milagros, it seems they have all gone
into collections by now. The chain is 20 inches long and closed
with a hand clasp that I bought from a jeweller in Oaxaca half a dozen
years ago. $1100.US.
COL193.
This 8 1/4 inch tall statue is named Iansa, an orisha or deity from the
Brazilian religion of Candomblé. The originating religion came
from Africa and was brought by priests (arriving as slaves) from the
Orishas of Yoruba, the Voduns of the Jeje nation and the Nkisis of the
Bantu starting in the mid 1500s. It was recreated to suit the
spirits of Brazil. Their powerful god is named Oludmaré and his
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.
COL194. This
9 1/2 inch tall statue is
named Baba Egum who represents all of the orishas or deities within its
powers. It is the protector and representative in the Brazilian
religion of
Candomblé. The originating religion came from Africa and was
brought
by priests (arriving as slaves) from the Orishas of Yoruba, the Voduns
of the Jeje nation and the Nkisis of the Bantu starting in the mid
1500s. It was recreated to suit the spirits of Brazil. Their powerful god is named Oludmaré and his
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.
In Candomblé each person has their own individual spirit god or
orisha. During important ceremonies the other gods will disguise
themselves or masquerade asBaba Egum and perform specific dances to
become possessed of their ancestral spirit. The Baba Egum is
responsible keeping up the moral standards of the community. I
am not sure what material the
piece is made from (it is quite heavy and will require extra
shipping costs) - it has been beautifully and richly painted and stands
calmly - waiting... This statue was originally brought from
Brazil by
a dealer/collector. $245.US.
COL195. This 8 3/4 inch tall statue is
named Oxum an orisha or deity from the Brazilian religion of Candomblé. The originating religion came from Africa and was brought
by priests (arriving as slaves) from the Orishas of Yoruba, the Voduns
of the Jeje nation and the Nkisis of the Bantu starting in the mid
1500s. It was recreated to suit the spirits of Brazil. Their powerful god is named Oludmaré and his
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.
("Collectible Beads" pages 90-92) There are two Venetian made
trade beads. The facet carnelian beads were probably cut in India
or somewhere close by. $1200.US.
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 antique silver pendant was 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 some beautiful pieces among them. 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 pastel hues
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 (mostly from Xico).
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. I
am not familiar with the images on the stamp seals so I cannot say what
they represent. The metal of the seal has become a little pitted
over time which helps to reflect its age. I find it very
attractive and it would make a great pendant. $325.US.
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. 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 has a wonderful lacey frame around it.
The painting of the saints is done onto metal and the piece is 2 1/8
inches tall plus hanging loop. It is 1 3/4 inches
wide. $245.US. Relicary #2 is painted
onto shell. The pendant is 1 7/8 inches tall plus hanging
loop. It is 1 5/8 inches wide. $235.US.
COL307.
A similar pair of these antique silver earrings is illustrated on page
232 of "A World of Earrings". These are worn by the Yao and
Hmong. According to the book: "The minorities of Vietnam
and China also wear earrings with triangular elements. Yao
goldsmiths, who also work for other tribes, are highly esteemed."
These earrings were bought by a collector who travelled that area many
times over a course of quite a few years, following roads and pathways
to remote areas. These two earrings were not originally a pair as
they are each slightly different from the other. They do look
great together though and are each an excellent example of the
style. $110.US.
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. 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. This piece has plump arms with a deep
decoration hammered into them. The design on the front is dashes
and dots. The piece is 4 inches wide at the arms, and just under
2 1/2 inches tall. This was bought by the collector on one of his many trips into the area. $350.US.
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. The surface is elaborately manufactured with a fine pattern on it, and the bracelet has a bell inside the capped part.
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 on
pages 326 to 333 of the book "The Nagas: Hill Peoples of
Northeast India." This group had been loose and is just strung up on
fishing line. I hadn't realized quite how long it was - it is
definitely enough for a number of necklaces. $375.US.
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. $585.US. 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. This portrays the first Buddha sitting under a tree teaching to his disciple. $230.US/each
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 Cuetlajuchitlán,
Guerrero. The previous owner had been wearing it like a bracelet,
so I left the cord on it for now. It doesn't have a piercing to
hang it from so the cord was tied around his neck. The stone
itself is quite unusual with all kinds of patterns on it. I
wonder if that is jasper? This is a small and intriguing
preColumbian/preHispanic piece just 1 3/4 inches tall.
$180.US.
COL392. This kneeling figure is from Cuetlajuchitlán,
Guerrero. The carving is preHispanic/preColumbian and carved from some
kind of quartz, much of it having a green tinge to it. You can
see by the lines and the colour changes that it has
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. This necklace came from San Pedro Quiatoni a
Zapotec community in the Tlacolula district in the State of
Oaxaca.
Quoting from the valuable book "Mexican Jewelry" by Davis and
Pack: "In San Pedro Quiatoni, a small town south of Oaxaca, the
women wear unusual beads of 16th century glass, rods about two and a
half inches long, looped at one end so that they can be strung with
other beads to radiate from the neck. Quiatoni had no road until
recently and the beads stayed in the town and were handed down for
generations until the daughters of this generation began to travel to
the larger towns and to sell the old necklaces, which are now
occasionally seen in Oaxaca." They have an illustration on page
89.
This particular necklace is not from the 16th century, but much more
recent - I would consider it "vintage" instead. I don't know
where the rods were manufactured but most likely Puebla or Oaxaca
itself. The coloured beads on the strand are largely imported
from Venice, China and India. The longest rod on the necklace is
2 3/4 inches. This is very well done though, and at a much better
price than the antique ones. This is very wearable and similar to
one that was shown in the Museo Textil in Oaxaca. $520.US.
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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to "Contents" page
.....Ancient beads
.....Eastern beads and ornaments
.....Southeast Asia
.....India
.....Africa
.....African trade beads
.....North Africa
.....the Americas including preColumbian
.....Europe
.....Odds and ends
.........Mexico
- traditional rebozos and market shopping
......Contemporary jewelry
.........Mexico Silver Jewelry
REFERENCE of SOLD ITEMS
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)
COL32. This complex and
interesting piece was bought in Herat, Afghanistan. I had a similar
piece which was a wedding pendant from Iran, which is close by.
Perhaps this is a piece worn within a community which crosses the
border. The piece weighs about 219 grams, and is very well made and
quite complex. Even the chain itselv is magnificent. The chain itself
is 41 inches long, and the pendant is 3 1'2 inches long and 3 inches
wide. The 2 5/8 inch long amulets do open at one end but are currently
empty inside. They would be used for holding magical words. Trying it
on, the pendant hangs well beneath my waist. This would only have been
worn on special occasions and the words would have imparted protection
and good wishes to the wearer. It is quite dramatic and intriguing.
(sold)
COL36.
These two Navajo bracelets are being sold together. They
were bought separately in the early 1980s before they were seen as
being quite as fashionable as they are now. Although made and
bought separately, they are almost the same size to wear, and look very
good together. One has turquoise set into it, and the other has
rounded silver domes. The inside measurements are 2 1/8 inches by
1 3/4 inches across. $330.US/pair (sold)
COL37.
Here is a pretty fantastic dzi bead that I have held onto for a
few years. It was just too magnificent to give up. I am
quite sure that it was once a much longer bead, but breakage long long
ago caused it to be sliced to a shorter length. It is still very
large. The bead is 2 3/8 inches from one end to another and has a
diameter of almost 7/8 inch. Do check an article about dzi beads
in "Arts of Asia" July-August 2002, Volume 32, Number 4. (sold)
COL38.
These beads were gathered together over a number of years.
Every once in a while I would find another that suited this
strand. It all began with the blue bead in the preview shot.
It was made in Africa by melting Venetian trade beads together,
probably broken ones put to a new use. I love the colours of the
combination. Above that is a granite bead 2 1/2 inches long, and
then a variety of glass & granite and some silver wound beads at
the end. The longest bead is a Czech glass facet bead 4 3/4
inches long. It has that eerie colour to it like soap bubbles do
but the most marvellous this is that it has been cut into, engraved and
decorated. A magical quality is added to the bead. The
entire strand is 21 inches long. (sold)
COL40. I bought this at auction long ago being charmed by the writing on it. This is a souvenir of the Columbian exhibition in Chicago in 1893.
If you read about it you can see that it was quite an amazing
time. The ring has never been worn so the writing on the inside
and out is just perfect. On the inside it has the maker's mark:
"Gorham MFGC - registered - Sterling 1892 - 5". It is a
size 5. On the outside it says: "recuerdo de la esposicion
de Chicago 1492-1893" and "EL ANILLO DE ISABEL", along with a symbol.
I wanted to wear it myself but realized I didn't want to wear
the letters down at all but keep it exactly as it is. $155.US. (sold)
COL43.
This is a small collection of Tairona beads from Colombia that I
used to make a comfortable necklace. I only used a narrow strand
of waxed cotton as I didn't wear it often - it would be safer with a
sturdier stringing material. The silver beads at the back are
from Africa - I always have a small stockpile of them to use like
this.The necklace is 17 inches long and the central grey streaked bead
is 1 7/8 inches long. The tubular carnelian bead is 1 7/8 inches
long as well. I think that the different stones look great
together and represent a skilled and artistic culture. (sold)
COL45.
I love the rather outrageous size of this necklace. It
feels very dramatic when worn. The beautifully decorated amulet
at the front is 4 1/2 inches across and quite heavy in itself.
The amulet 1 1/8 inch in diameter does open from one side, but I
have never pulled it open myself. Sometimes I like to maintain a
mystery for myself. The fat beads around the piece are from
Afghanistan. There are 6 1/2 inches of beads on each side, and
combined with the top of the pendant and the long closure make a
necklace that goes around about 18 inches. The piece weighs about
240 grams. (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)
COL47.
I didn't create this strand of beads but bought it exactly as it
is strung. I was charmed by the 5 3/8 inches of antique turquoise
from Tibet combined with a few sliced beads and then richly coloured
old coral. The entire necklace is 18 inches long. (sold)
COL49.
This is a beautiful strand of ancient crystal beads coming out of the
Afghanistan area. The strand itself is 16 inches around and the
fat pendant bead is a little over 1 3/8 inches long and 7/8 inch across
at its fattest. (sold)
COL50.
I bought these beads and pendants in the mid nineties from a young
woman who brought them from Bolivia a number of years before. It
was originally a longer strand but I did separate the beads and sell
the other part of the strand a few years ago. I kept just what
would fit me nicely and sit comfortably at my neck. These are
preColumbian beads of hard jade, though the pendant itself seems to be
of a slightly softer jade as the carving has a softness to it.
The necklace measures 15 1/4 inches around, closed with a sterling
silver hook. The carved man is 1 3/8 inches tall. As you
can see on the enlargement he is very gracefully carved. Do contact me for the price. (sold)
COL51.
This is a very unusual strand of beads and it took the help of an
excellent bead researcher to explain to me what it actually is.
My presumption was that these agate pieces, indented with patterns set
with gold, had been manufactured to be wearable (heavy) beads, but I
was wrong. It turns out that these were individual pieces made to
be placed on the fittings and mouth pieces of hookahs in the 19th
Century. The original dealer had brought them out of "Persia" or
Central Asia where they were used though they may have been
manufactured in India or another country. I was fascinated the
moment that I saw these pieces, each different but each complementing
each other. The widest one at the front of the necklace is 1 3/8
inches across at the longest and slightly over 7/8 inch tall. The
longer tubular beads are 1 3/4 inches and 1 7/8 inches long. The
entire strand is 16 1/2 inches long plus pendant. The stringing
cords are closed with a glass berry shaped bead. The colour is
not quite as bright as the photo indicates - it is a more delicate
contrast from bead to bead. $2200.US. (sold)
COL52.
Here is a great and hefty strand of antique carnelian "pemma raka"
beads combined with brass bells. These are famous beads from the
Himalayas that had great importance there. The strand of beads is
27 inches long and in quite good condition with only one large crack in
the side of a bead. The brass bells probably came out of India or
Nagaland. This is quite heavy and could be (with some divider
beads) divided into two short strands. This weighs about 11
ounces/312 grams. (sold)
COL54.
These pieces are a first for me. I bought this Panamanian
necklace in the nineties and haven't seen any other milagros from the
area. The necklace was collected in the thirties from Kuna
Indians in Panama, known for the women's beautifully stitched
blouses. These are made of coin silver with each milagro being
very different from each other. They are meant to illustrate the
important parts of life for the wearer. The beaded part of the
necklace is 13 inches long. The woman at the front is 1 3/8
inches long. Because they have been sitting so long in a display
box the milagros could use a little cleaning as there is a little
discolouring on them. These are very collectible for lovers (like
me) of milagros. (sold)
COL55.
This is a great preHispanic Tairona necklace from Colombia.
Famous for their beads of carnelian and quartz this is a great
example. There are teardrop beads and "bullet" beads as well as a
few tubulars and some odder, interesting shapes as well. Robert
Liu shows some of these beads on pages 130 and 131 of "Collectible
Beads". He says "Carnelian, agate and rock crystal are far more
important hardstones than jade in preHispanic ornaments in terms of
sheer numbers and beauty. The Tairona culture of Colombia has
been the primary source, yielding beautiful beads and amulets in these
materials." There are 17 inches of beads on this necklace with
the largest central one (of mixed carnelian/quartz) measuring slightly
over an inch long. The clasp is 1 1/2 inches long to add to the
length of the necklace. I kept meaning to shorten this to make it
suit me better but it is still strung the way that it was when I first
bought it. (sold)
COL56.
This is an absolutely gorgeous litte jade fish. The leaf shaped
slice of jade is contained by sterling silver decorated with glass
stones as well. This is 2 inches long. This antique piece
is meant to be a pin/brooche but the stick pin itself is long
gone. It could be replaced by a jeweller - but I used the loop
behind the head (you can see in when you look at the enlarged photo of
the back) and wore it as a pendant instead - just on a fine silver
chain. (sold)
COL57.
I have three similar pieces from China here, bought from a Chinese
woman who brought them here over 30 years ago. The pieces have
many antique elements and a few newer ones. The hand work
attaching them together is very fine.
The first piece here was fabricated into a necklace. Normally
though would be a piece to hand from the belt of a man with his
moustache brush (you can see some of these in: "Four Centuries of
Silver") hanging at the end, but some creativity was done here to make
this great necklace. A crystal (or it might be glass) gourd fits
into a bone pipe ring to hold it shut. There are two monkey
carvings and some very nice winding thread to keep everything well
placed. $275.US. (sold)
COL58.
This piece was bought along with COL57. I am sure that someone
inventive could add another piece to fashion this into a necklace as
well. Right now it is the piece to hang from the belt with the
man's moustache comb attached at the bottom. There are two coral
pieces here, one is the branch and the other is a finely carved
bead. There is a wide age range in the various beads.
$165.US. (sold)
COL62.
I bought this box, along with a number of others in the mid nineties at
a Michigan coin auction of all places. I thought that I had sold
them all but just found this tucked in one of my drawers. You can
see by the box that Mrs. Stark collected beads in her medicine
boxes. There are two strands of ancient blue beads here.
The one with the larger beads is 7 1/2 inches long and has a tag
attached to it. One one side it says "LN each" and on the other
"J.K.57 324". I imagine it is a code for her
collections... The small strand of blue beads is 4 inches
long. The remaining bead appears Indian to me but I honestly do
not know the place of origin. The outside is blue and white which
covers a pale green center. (sold)
COL59.
Here is a more complex comb slipping away into a bird-like form.
The bird opens its wings when the comb is needed. There are some
interesting beads here, a lovely enamelled one, a black on red cinebar
bead, and a nicely faded floral one. Beautiful work.
$175.US. (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. The
pendant is 3 1/8 inches tall and 1 7/8 inches at the widest. The
maguey at the top has 3 natural stones topping it. The
sterling silver chain is 17 inches long and closed with an "S" hook. (sold)
COL204.
This is a unique silver Navajo bracelet that I bought in a
vintage store around 1975. I rarely polish my pieces so the
background is grey with a bit of light patination and the central disk
is polished from wear. In the photo the bracelet has a little
perspective to it, but the sides strand straight up and down. The
bracelet is 1 3/8 inches wide and 5 7/8 inches around. It has a
space that is 13/16 inches wide so it fits nicely around my 6- 6 1/4
inch wrist. As is tradition, there is no signature or stamp in
the bracelet. (sold)
COL209.
I collected hands for quite a while and found this one to be among the
more fascinating. This was made in France by Christofle in 1960
and is called the Palmistry Hand with the life defining markings in
French all over it. This silver hand (EP bronze) originally came
with a book about reading the palm but I do not have that, just the
hand itself - 7 1/2 inches tall. This is truly a collectors
item. (sold)
COL216. The
beads on this necklace came out of African trade and the silver coins
are Spanish ones minted in the New World. The central
coin/pendant is just under 1 3/8 inches in diameter. The coin has
a value of 4 reales, was struck in 1779 and it has a portrait of
Carolus III on it. I believe this coin was struck in
Bolivia... Some of these coins are too worn to read
carefully but they are all in the same time period (all but one in the
1700s) 1738 to 1815. There are a few rulers included. The
necklace is 17 1/2 inches around when closed and the coins are
highlighted by the deep sea green/blue antique glass beads. The
closure is a silver pair of hands bought in Oaxaca. $990.US. (sold)
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.
I ENCOUNTERED A SMALL COLLECTION OF BEADS FROM A OAXACAN COLLECTOR who
was finally ready to sell them. Much of his collection was
individual pieces (pottery, stone, wood, etc.) mounted onto boards but
what interested me were just the absolutely charming and memorable bead
strands. Most of the beads below originated in Chiapas and are
known as Chiapan jade. This is the last group remaining. These beads were very difficult to
photograph. There are so many sublime changes of colour in these
preColumbian Chiapan jade beads that they are difficult to
capture. This strand of 6 tubular beads adds up to just under 14
inches with the longest being a little over 2 5/8 inches and the
shortest 1 7/8 inch. They were together in the collection, so I
want to sell them that way. These are totally beautiful and ready to create a necklace with.
$1500.US. (sold)
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.
There are still mysteries to be solved.
Quoting from the valuable book "Mexican Jewelry" by Davis and
Pack: "In San Pedro Quiatoni, a small town south of Oaxaca, the
women wear unusual beads of 16th century glass, rods about two and a
half inches long, looped at one end so that they can be strung with
other beads to radiate from the neck. Quiatoni had no road until
recently and the beads stayed in the town and were handed down for
generations until the daughters of this generation began to travel to
the larger towns and to sell the old necklaces, which are now
occasionally seen in Oaxaca." They have an illustration on page
89. (sold)
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, a
well known bead researcher and the creator of the Bead Timeline.
The strand is 23 inches long. The beads have some pitting in the
surface from burial. It has a very magical feel to
it. (sold)
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. This
is a heavy (59.8 grams), beautiful, antique
Tibetan stamp seal. This is over 100 years old and has some nice
smoothing from being handled over time but one can still see the fine
cross-hatching design covering the outside surface. The piece is
1 3/4 inches
tall and the round end is 11/16 inches across (18mm) and the square end
is 5/8 inches across (17mm). I am not familiar
with the images on the stamp seals so I cannot say what they
represent. This hangs very nicely as a pendant from a simple
cord.
$510.US. (sold)
COL371.
This is a gorgeous strand of preColumbian beads from a Mexico City
collection. If you are fond of the style of beads favoured by
Frida Kahlo worn in her love of the preHispanic indigenous culture,
these are very similar to necklaces in her collection. This
strand just needs a new stringing and an appropriate clasp. The
strand is 14 inches long, just right for sitting close to the base of
the neck. The largest greenstone bead is 1 3/8 inch long and 7/8
inch across. These are lovely fat beads in a variety of
shapes. $480.US. (sold)
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)