C. 100-300 AD. Romano-Egyptian. A beautiful restrung necklace comprised of faience beads in a variety of shapes including round (“melon beads”) and tubular examples and a range of colours. The centrepiece is a mother of pearl rosette pendant. Necklace beads were first created about 3,500 years ago in Egypt and Mesopotamia, and ever since glass bead designs and bead-making techniques grew increasingly complex. By the time the Romans conquered Egypt in the first century BC Beads were an important part of Roman women's dress and served a decorative purpose. When Roman and Egyptian cultures mixed beautiful objects such as the faience beads in this necklace became increasingly popular. Excellent condition; professionally restrung; wearable.Size: L:260mm / W:mm ; 93.3g; Provenance: Property of a London gentleman, formerly with the Parthenon gallery, previously in an old English collection formed in the 1980s.