Busacca Gallery

This is a spectacular treasure and an opportunity to own something that is incredibly old. This would bring amazement to any private jewelry collection. Exquisite, museum quality, collectible Western Asiatic ancient rock crystal necklace, circa 2nd – 3rd millennium BC, with faceted rock crystal and cat-shaped beads. Notice the way the holes run through the beads – never in a straight line as in those days there wasn’t the technology to drill this hard, brittle stone, and it had to be done by hand, from one side at a time. Sometimes the holes didn’t meet, but rather than throwing the beads away, it took a skilled person to thread them. All beads show signs of wear and use. In excellent condition, considering their extreme age. These were excavated and found by archeologists. Acquired in Afghanistan. Weight: 100 gm Length – clasp to clasp: 46 cms or 20 inches Bead sizes: 2.5cm x 1 cm for the rhomboids. Strung on silk for durability and flexibility. 9 cat beads ranging from smallest 2cm x 1 ½ cm, to largest middle bead 2 cm x 2 ½ cm. Small gold-washed beads between each bead for protection. This is a wonderful antique crystal quartz cat necklace. They are as rare as hen’s teeth. Each individual crystal bead is worth hundreds of dollars if sold individually. The use of crystal beads in ancient times can be traced back to many different civilizations and regions, including Asia. Rock crystal, a type of clear quartz, was highly valued for its beauty and believed to have mystical properties. Ancient cultures, such as the Chinese, Egyptians, and Romans, used rock crystal in jewelry and as decorative elements in daily life. The exact history of antique cat-shaped crystal beads is not well documented, but it is likely that these were also used in decorative items such as jewelry or ornaments.

In ancient times, rock crystal beads were typically cut and shaped using simple tools such as hammers, chisels, and drills. The process was labor-intensive and required skilled craftsmanship. To distinguish an ancient rock crystal bead from a modern one, experts look at several factors, including: Age: Ancient rock crystal beads date back to thousands of years and are extremely rare. Style: Ancient rock crystal beads have a distinct style and design, often more organic and less symmetrical than modern ones. Tools marks: Ancient beads may have tool marks and other imperfections that result from the manual cutting and shaping process. Patina: Ancient rock crystal beads have a natural patina that can indicate their age. Inclusions: Ancient rock crystal beads may have inclusions, such as air bubbles, that are characteristic of natural quartz. Material: Some ancient rock crystal beads may be made of a higher quality material and be more transparent than modern ones. It's important to note that there is no surefire way to determine the age of a rock crystal bead and experts rely on a combination of these factors to make an assessment.