This bracelet has the most beautiful antique Yemeni silver beads. The focal granule bead is just stunning. It was made with lots of skill (and basic tools), and over time the bead smoothed out and acquired patina. It is good quality silver; probably melted down Maria Theresa Thalers were used to make this bead.
Legend has it that Jewish silversmiths settled in Yemen already during the reign of king Solomon, when he started trade with the queen of Sheba. However it may be, they have worked in Sana'a for many centuries, producing fine silver pieces for the Jewish and Muslim community alike. Bedouins too were customers, and sometimes they travelled a while with nomads, to repair their silver pieces and to make new ones.
These days, their art is disappearing and beads like this one are hard to find.
The globular bead is antique Yemeni silver too. It is hollow (other than the focal wheel bead) and very lovely. The chunky 'corner less cubes' are antique Yemeni too, just like the sturdy spacer rings. A totally gorgeous and rare collection.
I combined these beauties with antique agate trade bead from Idar Oberstein, a major stone cutting centre since the 14th century. The region was rich in agate, and the river supplied power for the grinding and cutting wheels.
The grinding and polishing was a tough job. Men were lying on their stomachs to hold the bead against the wheel that was driven by the stream.
This bead is from the 19th century and the agate is probably from Brazil - as by that time the sources were depleted, and agate was imported.
It is a nice bead, grey with a milky, dreamy feel, and some golden/orange spots.
More naturals: an old carved tribal quartz bead from Nepal, a lovely desert rose bead and lastly an old so called 'padre' bead (brought to the America's by Spanish priests) with nice patina.
All muted colors. Simply gorgeous. Collectors bracelet.
SIZE: it measures approx. 5.9 to 6.5 inches (15 to 16.5 cm) It closes with a fat and sturdy solid silver clasp. See pictures for dimensions.
It comes in a jewelry box, ready for gift giving.
It ships with track and trace.
I ship within one business day. To the USA, Canada store, Australia and Asia it usually takes one to two weeks for my packages to arrive. Within Europe, delivery takes a few days up to a week. Handling at the customs may cause a delay.
I do combine shipping.
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Product code: Trade bead bracelet with gorgeous antique Yemeni store silver and antique agate