A Roman Amethyst and Carnelian Bead Necklace, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

The skill of the artisan is reflected in this lovely necklace. The twenty-one biconical amethyst beads range in color from deep rich purple to a soft lavender hue, are combined with twenty-one carnelian beads that are either biconical or of faceted spherical form ranging from a deep red to a red-orange hue. This necklace has been strung for wearing with later gold spacer beads that assures appeal to modern and ancient lovers alike. Carnelian beads were immensely popular throughout Greco-Roman antiquity, for it was believed that carnelian was endowed with magical powers; causing the blood to circulate smoothly throughout the body, make the skin healthy and youthful and ward off evil. Once considered strictly the property of the noble class, Romans of high social status were often buried with this gemstone. Since wearing carnelian also makes one feel peaceful and slow to anger, it was often worn by orators to achieve serenity before and during speeches. It is theorized that the color ora