Stunning vintage artisan-made ethnic 'beggars bead' carnelian necklace from the 1970s era. Between each bead is a cord knot with entwined metallic strands. It's heavy and well made, with some lovely patterning in the stones.
Length all round approx 22 in / 56 cm
Stockman dummy is life size and shows true scale. See also in hand for scale.
CONDITION:
Good vintage condition. The knots are rustic and the clasp is slightly off-centre, this is how it was made. See photos for details.
ABOUT BEGGARS BEADS:
In historical times, 'beggars beads' were multicoloured stone necklaces worn by beggars, thought to attract wealth. The style became fashionable again in the mid-1960s when hippies brought similar items back from India. These were then copied into high fashion, and remained popular into the 1970s.