Necklaces

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

Here we have now a marvelous strand of mixed old African glass trade beads from Africa and Europe such as black and white skunk beads. 

An old Mauritanian rosary "tisbeh" made of ebony beads. Very nice patina due to intensive traditional use. Circa mid-XXth century or earlier. Other names: "tasbih", "sebha", "subhan".

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade beads made of glass of various sizes and origins. Among them we find some blue translucent beads called Nila that are sometimes found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade beads made of glass of various sizes and origins. Among them we find some blue translucent beads called Nila that are sometimes found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade beads made of glass of various sizes and origins. Among them we find some blue translucent beads called Nila that are sometimes found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

This is a beautiful strand of mixed old African trade beads made of glass of various sizes and origins. Among them we find some blue translucent beads called Nila that are sometimes found buried in the sands of the desert where they may have remained for hundreds of years.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

Here we have now a small lovely strand of mixed old African trade glass beads of different origins including “eye” and chevron beads.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

Here we have now a lovely strand of mixed old African trade glass beads, among them, several types of Venetian millefiori beads and “eye” beads.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

Here we have now a lovely strand of mixed old African trade glass, stone and even amber beads of different provenances including “eye” bead and a lovely one of a beautiful turquuoise color.

A string made of a combination of old African glass and stone beads. 

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing history behind. 

A great band or frontal from the Kuchi nomad tribe in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ornated with coins, beads, mirrors and embroidery. Give your garments as tribal and joyful touch. You decide!.  

A stunning Kuchi necklace from Afghanistan. It is made of beautiful metal beads and big triangular metal amulets with joyful glass cabochons. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan Pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel. Their jewellery has become extremely popular among those practising oriental dances and belly-dancing.

A masterpiece of Kuchi jewellery made by an oustanding silversmith. This torc shows a most refined chiselling and filigree silver work. It is further ornated with glass cabochons and a dense and complex decoration of plant motifs. A stately jewel fit for a princess. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pastoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Mid- to late XIXth century.

An imposing old silver kuchi torc or choker. This piece is a perfect example of the jewellery from that ethnic group. Silver, glass and mixed metals. From the main torc piece hang a serie of chained pendants made with coins from the British Indian Empire. Partially reworked in the 1970's with some Afghani coins from the Soviet occupation and earlier islamic ones. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pastoons nomads divided in tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The main piece and part of the pendants are from late XIXth century.

An eye-catching strong African flavour necklace made of a large warthog tusk pendant, bone, silver and seed beads. Sourced in Mali.

A lovely necklace arrangement combining different antique Multan and Sindhi silver and enamel components from Pakistan. Multan was well-known for its enamellled work. However the technique was lost long time ago and true old Multan pieces have become increasingly rarer and harder to find. This necklace features well-worn silver and enamel plaques and pendants as well as two very original Multan silver beads. We draw your attention to the most original pendant in the shape of an acorn hanging from the main rectangular pendant. It is made of silver, enamel and wood. The very first time we see a pendant like this. An arrangement with a superb patina and wonderful tribal flavour.  Adjustable lenght. Central piece: 67mm x 130mm.

A lovely necklace made of a number of old silver beads and an old Kuchi silver engraved pendant. The cord is new and the arrangement is easiliy adjustable in length. Its decoration, simple and beautiful, is boosted by the lively chained dangles. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel. First half of the XXth century.

A great silver and enamel necklace from the group of the Hazara. It features three flat silver plaques beautifully enameled in blue and red with floral decoration. Sadly the technique for the making of these quality pieces has faded. The ensemble also includes nice silver and glass beads and lovely bead-made tassels. This type of works is often referred to as Multan where it very characteristic. Simply a marvel. The silver plaques are form the second half of the XIXth century and the arrangement more recent. 

A Kuchi choker from Afghanistan. It is made of little metal beads and old pendants made with coins further ornated with old glass cabochons. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel.

A fanciful kuchi necklace made of a cascade of lapislazuli pendants and small metal and wood beads.

A lovely short necklace made of a set of silver alloy telsum amulet boxes from Ethiopia. Two types of amulets are used here, the triangular ones (supposed to protect the wearer against thunder strikes) and the half circle ones (best to ward off evil eye). 

A stunning woman's Koran holder -atschar bag- from the Turkoman tribe of the Yomud of Central Asia. Made of silver, gilding and great glass cabochons that may have been originally carnelians. A particularly elegant piece featuring a supperb embossed silverwork. The focal pendant meaures 86x70x10 mm and the chain 37 cm. A true gem of a piece in all senses.

An elegant old silver necklace from the group of the Balouchi, sourced in Afghanistán. The central silver amulet, showing a wonderful patina, is a piece from the XIXth century. Adjustable length.

An elegant old Tibetan necklace made of flat raw turquoise beads. A lovely piece.

An old rosary "tisbeth" from Mauritania. It is formed by a strand of ebony beads, aluminium beads, and old glass beads of different sizes and colours. It is worth-mentioning the most likely old European made multi-faceted beads from sub-Saharian Africa where they were used as trade beads. The "tisbeh" is also decorated with a cotton tassel. A very attractive price circa mid-XXth century. Other names: "tasbih", "sebha", "subhan", "mishata".

An old Berber necklace or even a temple or head ornament from Foum Zguid, close to the oasis of Jbel Bani in Sourthern Morocco. It is made of a strand of beads and dangles made from different materials such as branches of silver, coral, mixed metals, amber, resin and shells. It would have been used as a necklace, a temple ornament, braided to the hair or hanging from the headgear. Mid-XXth century.

An old Mauritanian rosary "tasbih" made of ebony beads ornated with silver filigree and glass beads. Very nice patina due to intensive traditional use. Circa mid-XXth century or earlier. Other names: "tisbeh", "sebha", "subhan".

A magnificent silver and enamel necklace from the group of the Hazara. It features three flat silver plaques beautifully enameled in blue with floral decoration. Sadly the technique for the making of these quality pieces has faded. The ensemble also includes nice silver and glass beads and lovely bead-made tassels. This type of works is often referred to as Multan where it very characteristic. Simply a marvel. The silver plaques are form the second half of the XIXth century and the arrangement more recent.

An eye-catching and fancy Kuchi necklace from Afghanistan. It is made of beautifully chained metal beads and pompoms. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel. Their jewellery has become extremely popular among those practising oriental dances and belly-dancing.

A nice Kuchi choker from Afghanistan. It is made of little metal beads and bells and coins. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel.

A nice Kuchi choker from Afghanistan. It is made of little metal beads and bells. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel.

A beautiful Mauritanian necklace from Maure and Tuareg groups and which may be found among the Saharwi and in the area of Guelmine in Southern Morocco. It is made of a most appealing combination of silver, agate, glass and garnet beads. Women in the Sahara often wound them around their wrists while they dance. Mid-XXth century or later.

Simple yet attractive necklace from Mali made with recycled glass (p