Carnelian and steatite, 19.73 grams, 44 cm [17.6 inches]. Circa 1st century BC - 1st century AD. A re-strung steatite and carnelian necklace, which has over 140 cylindrical ancient steatite beads, with one pear-shaped 'amulet' bead and two side beads made from carnelian. 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. 56, 57. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, found eastern Mediterranean.