c. 323-31 BC. Greek Hellenistic period. A gold pendant bead with dual suspension loops, conical terminals and cylindrical body. The pendant is decorated with hundreds of applied gold spheres and set with a stunning white and reddish-brown agate bead visible through a rectangular aperture in the body. The Hellenistic period, which runs from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the battle of Actium is 31 BC, was an era in which Greek-speaking peoples controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia as far as present-day Afghanistan. This period saw many momentous scientific discoveries and artistic developments, including the creation of intricate jewellery, as this gorgeous piece exemplifies. This beautiful piece may have belonged to an ancient noblewoman of the Hellenistic period. Excellent condition; wearable. Agate bead possibly from a later period. Size: L:11mm / W:92mm ; 16.4g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.