Carnelian and soap stone, 20.75 grams, 46 cm [18 inches]. Circa 1st century BC - 1st century AD. A re-strung carnelian and soap stone necklace, which has 44 various shaped ancient carnelian beads, separated with with 44 elliptical soap stone beads, with a large pear-shaped 'amulet' bead made from carnelian. The carnelian beads are of different shades of orange and red with different degrees of transparency. Some of the beads are drilled from both ends and they have conical opening, fitted with a modern clasp to allow it to be worn. Reference: Thames & Hudson, The History of Beads from 30,000 BC to the Present; Limper K. Uruk. Perlen. Ketten. Anhänger. Ph. Von Zabern, 1989, tbl. 55. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, found eastern Mediterranean.