Vintage Artisan Beaded Necklace Featuring Genuine Garnet and Blue Glass Beads.

Ancient glass beads featuring a mix of purple and blue colors. The aged appearance, including some dirt ingrained over time and a patina-like effect on the metal findings, suggests these may be antique or excavated beads, potentially from Roman or African trade contexts. The beads primarily exhibit rich smoky blue and purple undertones, with some variation in shade and opacity. The blue beads were highly coveted and harder to find in ancient times. The beads are generally small to medium in size and appear irregular in shape, which can indicate hand-drilling or a more ancient manufacturing process before industrial standardization. The aged condition with minor chips and dirt is part of their character and attests to their age. Beads with similar characteristics, especially the blue ones, have been found in archaeological digs in places like Afghanistan (Roman glass) or the ancient city of Ile-Ife in Nigeria (Djenne beads). Interspersed throughout the red stones are smooth, round, translucent blue beads, which could be glass trade beads or lapis lazuli/turquoise, depending on the piece's origin. These appear to be "drawn" beads, a common manufacturing method where a glass tube is stretched and then cut into smaller pieces. 15.5” in overall length