a mid century ode to the handmade bench beads made by indigenous communities in North America, but seemingly made by a different technique as the orb-like beads are lacking the center seams that point to handmade beads. the beads are sturdy, but hollow, strung on a snake-like chain, and spaced by small silver beads, some of which are being swallowed/hidden by the larger beads at the center of the necklace.
the clasp is older, sturdy, but lacks a prominent post to catch a fingernail, which makes it a bit trickier to open. If you don't mind the larger beads being hidden, it also works to wear the clasp in the front, doubling as a pendant holder
solid sterling silver, hollow form
M E A S U R E M E N T S
just shy of 16.5" long and may fit shorter because of the width of the beads. because of the style of the clasp and bail a chain/necklace extender could easily be used to add length without altering the necklace
largest bead is ~14.3mm across, tapering to ~9.3mm near the clasp
chain beneath the beads is ~1mm wide
weighs 50.7g
C O N D I T I O N
in good vintage condition
the clasp works great, but the style of the clasp is a bit tricky to open
there's a bit of thinning at the end of the bails soldered to each end of the chain. they don't seem to be on the verge of splitting, but may need to be reinforced at some point
the necklace lacks symmetry in several hard-to-spot ways: the center bead swallows/hides one of the tiny spacer beads and one 'side' of the necklace has additional beads near the clasp, while the shorter 'side' of the necklace is missing a spacer bead. all of these inconsistencies are hard to spot when worn, mostly visible when lying flat comparing the patterns end to end
modest patina throughout the base chain and beads — polishing decisions are left to the buyer
beads are hollow, but sturdy and free from notable dents and dings
this is a vintage item and will show surface scratches, dents, dings, dulling, wear, patina, and signs of having been worn and loved
please carefully review all photos as they are considered an important part of the description of the item’s condition
S H O P A G R E E M E N T S
please carefully review all photos as they are considered an important part of the description of the item’s condition
please read the 'shop policies' section to understand this shop's shipping & exchange policies
S K I N S E N S I T I V I T I E S
please read the ‘FAQs’ section before purchasing an item if you have a history of skin sensitivities to metals of any kind, and/or a history of skin reactions like dermatitis or eczema. Send us a message if you have additional questions.
