Ancient Roman Iridescent Glass

Product Description: This strand features Roman glass beads with iridescence, a stunning effect caused by long-term burial and weathering, giving the glass a shimmering silver or iridescent appearance. Originating from Alexandria (modern-day Egypt), these beads are a unique piece of history.

Specifications:

• Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)
• Size:
  • Total Beads: 45
  • Central Bead Size: 18mm x 14mm

Note: As these are antique items, they may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Roman Beads:

Era: 100 BCE to 300 CE

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt), coastal regions of Syria, and beyond

During the period from the 1st century BCE to the 4th century CE, glass craftsmanship flourished in the Roman Empire, leading to the creation and export of numerous glass products. These items, made along the Mediterranean coast, spread across a vast region from Northern Europe to Japan.

Initially, most glass products were opaque, but by the 1st century CE, transparent glass became increasingly popular. Beads crafted during this time were highly valued as jewelry. In contrast, fragments of glassware such as cups and pitchers, which were often repurposed into beads, are more commonly found and can be acquired at a relatively lower cost today due to their abundance in archaeological sites.