Antique Saudi Necklace with Banded Agate and Gold Gilt Silver Beads

A beautiful and rare Saudi necklace made with banded agate beads, some older than others, but most likely old trade beads made at Idar-Oberstein in Germany in the late 19th and early 20th century. The necklace has 16 flat tear shaped agate beads and some barrel shaped beads as well as 10 gold gilt silver bead.  One of the beads is a small cage bead, the others are spherical beads. The necklace has been restrung on a metal cord and a silver chain added with a lobster claw in sterling silver. A lovely and classic looking necklace. 

This type of necklace was worn in Abha and a very similar necklace can be seen in Heather Colyer Ross's book The Art of Bedouin Jewellery.

The agate beads have various nicks and scratches (see photos).

• Total length 48cm ( 19" ) 
• Central bead which is larger than the others is  2.3 X 1.2 cm ( 7/8 X 1/2" )
• Weight 39 grams.