Ancient Bactrian Bronze Age "Etched" Carnelian, 18-inch Strand including Pendant
SKU: GMO-724
Sale price
$775.00
Shipping calculated at checkout
Out of stock
Description
- Ancient (2200-1700 BC) Bactrian Bronze Age Carnelian beads on 18-inch strand
- Each of these beads is a little treasure in good condition with clear even makings and smooth flat ends so when strung the beads hang straight.
- The term etched is a misnomer dating from early archeology before the technique was well understood. It's still a bit of a mystery, but these beads are their etched by engraving or acid. Instead a solution of alkali with viscous plant juices and other ingredients (some unknown) was painted onto the bead with the desired designs. Then when the bead is heated to a specific temperature a chemical alteration creates a white deposit within the stone. It goes deeper than the surface.
- The bronze age Bactrian civilization occupied a mountainous region in norther Afghanistan where these beads were collected.
- I bought them from a retired mining engineer who had worked there in the 1950s.
- He bought the loose beads and had them strung by local villagers. Returning to Colorado he had the the beads dated and authenticated at the Denver Museum of Natural History. I am posting several strands, each one unique.
- I am enchanted with these beads and have kept quite a few. I can't wait to string them with some of my Indian high karat gold!
- I'm grouping them with the Ancient Glass to makeGMO-724b them easier for collectors to find. They are also posted in the Gemstones Collection.