Catalog (23)

Three rare quartzite beads, carved in the shape of elephants. These were acquired in Burma about 40 years ago by Bucklee Bell contributor to the Peter Francis Bead Project dating circa 900CE or earlier. Please note scale is metric in last enlargement. Free shipping.

Collection of Thai Bronze Age aventurine jewelry pieces, from the Lopburi Culture, circa 500BCE, Central Thailand. 1#: Long rectangular bead, good transparency, damaged on one end and the lengthwise hole only goes from the undamaged end to the second hole. L: 6.6cm/2.6in and W: 7mm/.3in x 5mm/.2in. 2#: Fine small aventurine bangle from early Thai Bronze Age Culture circa 500 BCE . This item is slightly flattened at the bottom but in perfect original condition. Outer D: 6.2cm/2.4i...

Strand of Yuan to Ming Dynasty glass trade beads excavated from the Tak Hilltop burial site along the Thai Burmese border. Because 14th/16th CE ceramics found the same strata it is easy to date these beads being from no later than this period, although archaic jade and crystal items over a thousand years old were found as well, these were most likely ancient trade items that have been circulating for over a millennia. Scale is in enlargements. For the exception of some roughly ...

Two strands of Kushan/Bactrian of mixed stone (mostly carnelian) beads. I acquired these along with coins dating from 1st- 4th CE from the same site in North West Pakistan, so these can be dated no later than 1500 years old. There are a few agate and quartzite beads in the lot, some with traces of “etching”. The crescent shaped beads would have originally small ringed shaped ornaments that have been drilled and “knapped” to some extent to accommodate them being strung. Please not...

Mixed collection of old beads… as follows the silver beads are old Sri Lanka beads as are the two cut cobalt blue crystal glass, two Khotan nephrite natural pebbles, one bowenite bead and two old banded agates. Scale is metric in enlargements. Free shipping.

Ensemble of vintage silver and ancient banded agate beads from Sri Lanka. These were acquired in Kandy in 1998 or 1989, the banded agates are all hand carved and are at least 1000 years old (conservatively). The silver beads are high content silver and intricately crafted with a 24K Asian style fastener. L: 52cm/20.5in. Combined eight 34 grams. See last enragement for scale. Free shipping.

54 old coconut disc shaped beads, mala. I acquired these beads in 1991 in the Barkhor Market in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. These have been restrung on elastic chord so it may be worn around the wrist. These are old hand made beads with beautiful natural patina. Each bead is Diameter: 14mm the entire strand is L: 225cm/8.8cm. free shipping.

Strand of Yuan to Ming Dynasty white “milk” glass trade beads excavated from the Tak Hilltop burial site along the Thai Burmese border. These can be dated to the14th to 16th CE because they were found the same strata as easily datable Chinese and Vietnamese ceramics. Please examine enlargements for condition. There are 82 beads with large holes and average diameter of 1.1cm per bead with total length of 48cm/18.8in. Free shipping via Hong Kong registered airmail included.

Eight mysterious skull beads, these came out of China, and have a powdery white coating (I assume to give them the look of excavated items). These are individually made of glass and were purchased in Hong Kong about 20 years ago. Each bead is 15mm x 11mm. Free shipping.

Four shades of Pyu glass beads excavated near the ancient Pyu city of Sri Kstera, (modern day Pyay), Burma, circa 200CE- 1100CE. Beads from Sri Ksetra are well documented in Early Landscapes of Burma- Elizabeth Moore & Early Cultures of Mainland Southeast Asia- Charles Higham. Please see enlargements for scale. The green beads are very rare, and their colors are sublime, I have seen black beads in mixed strands before but this only one I have ever seen that is completely black. Please en...

Strand of Khmer glass beads circa 11th to 12th century. Generically classified as Indo Pacific Trade Beads, these were sourced in Cambodia. These are the only complete strand I have found in this translucent color, possibly they were trying to emulate carnelian. L: 60cm/24.6in. See last enlargement for scale. Free shipping.

Fine strand of prewar WWII, glass Venetian trade beads from Africa, L: 58cm/23in. These are strung on a contemporary cotton green string with copper wire fastener. Included on this strand is large “faux” amber center bead attached on a secondary strand of African sand cast beads. The Venetians have ostrich shell spacer disc beads. Free shipping!

Fine cowrie shell necklace from northwest Burma, probably Naga on a hand woven macramé cotton cord. This is an old set, circa 80 years with an excellent worn natural patina and almost porcelain like surface these need to be handled to be appreciated. Please note that each bead is hand carved to nest into the other so when strung together and worn the necklace hangs in a circular fashion. Cowrie shells are probably the most ubiquitous ornament to have ever adorned a human being sin...

Pristine Jatim Millefiore bead circa 600-900CE, Pre Islamic Javanese Hindu era. Perfect condition. L: 19mm x W: 22mm. Perfect condition. Free shipping.

Pristine Jatim Millefiore bead circa 600-900CE, Pre Islamic Javanese Hindu era. Perfect condition. L: 17mm x W: 18mm. Perfect condition. Free shipping.

Strand of ancient Afghani glass beads, circa Roman era. These are original beads (not re-carved bangles or glass vessel fragments). Some are decorated with gold leaf, others exhibit dichroism. Traces of calcification. A total of 27 beads (note 3 are broken). Total length: 50cm/19.8cm- note last enlargement for scale- 17 grams. Free shipping.

Mixed lot of lovely ungraded undyed coral polished branches of angel skin, pink and red coral etc. I acquired these in a Hong Kong Auction from a jewelry factory going out of business. 96 grams and 130 pieces. See last enlargement for scale metric scale. Free shipping via Hong Kong Registered Mail. Some have holes but most don’t.

19th century colonial glass trade beads from Venice, red “white hearts”. Lovely color, the images don’t do it justice. Originally sourced from Papua New Guinea. Note enlargements, for scale and condition.Total Length: 62cm/24.4in. Free shipping.