A distinctive vintage multi-strand necklace composed primarily of cream-colored beads, arranged in layered drapes that create depth, movement, and visual rhythm. The design features carved cylindrical beads near the upper drop, followed by cascading strands of smaller round and disc beads that converge into a softly weighted, symmetrical form.
The carved elements introduce a subtle figurative or symbolic quality — their surface markings and organic irregularities give the piece a hand-worked feel rather than a polished, decorative one. Dark metallic spacer beads punctuate the pale material, adding contrast and grounding the composition.
Overall, the necklace reads as tactile and intentional, with a quiet ritual or ethnographic presence. It feels less like adornment and more like a personal object — something worn repeatedly, close to the body, and imbued with meaning through use.
Likely mid- to late-20th century vintage, drawing from folk-inspired or globally influenced jewelry aesthetics rather than a single, specific tradition.
Materials
Based on visual inspection, this necklace appears to include:
Measures approximately 22 inches end to end; when worn as a continuous loop, the hang length is about 12 inches.
Cream-colored beads, likely bone or bone substitute (possibly bovine bone or early composite)
Carved cylindrical beads with shallow incised motifs (matching material)
Small round and disc beads in the same pale material, used to create layered strands
Dark metallic spacer beads (possibly steel or plated base metal)
Silver-tone metal bead caps
Barrel-style clasp (silver-tone metal)
Materials emphasize repetition, texture, and form rather than gemstone value.
A distinctive vintage multi-strand necklace composed primarily of cream-colored beads, arranged in layered drapes that create depth, movement, and visual rhythm. The design features carved cylindrical beads near the upper drop, followed by cascading strands of smaller round and disc beads that converge into a softly weighted, symmetrical form.
The carved elements introduce a subtle figurative or symbolic quality — their surface markings and organic irregularities give the piece a hand-worked feel rather than a polished, decorative one. Dark metallic spacer beads punctuate the pale material, adding contrast and grounding the composition.
Overall, the necklace reads as tactile and intentional, with a quiet ritual or ethnographic presence. It feels less like adornment and more like a personal object — something worn repeatedly, close to the body, and imbued with meaning through use.
Likely mid- to late-20th century vintage, drawing from folk-inspired or globally influenced jewelry aesthetics rather than a single, specific tradition.
Materials
Based on visual inspection, this necklace appears to include:
Measures approximately 22 inches end to end; when worn as a continuous loop, the hang length is about 12 inches.
Cream-colored beads, likely bone or bone substitute (possibly bovine bone or early composite)
Carved cylindrical beads with shallow incised motifs (matching material)
Small round and disc beads in the same pale material, used to create layered strands
Dark metallic spacer beads (possibly steel or plated base metal)
Silver-tone metal bead caps
Barrel-style clasp (silver-tone metal)
Materials emphasize repetition, texture, and form rather than gemstone value.
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