Ancient Roman Iridescent Glass

Product Description: This strand features Roman beads dating from 100 BCE to 300 CE, showcasing a beautiful iridescence due to centuries of burial.

Iridescence

This is a natural phenomenon where glass, having been buried underground for many years, undergoes weathering, resulting in a shimmering silver or iridescent sheen.

Specifications:

• Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)
• Size:
  • Length: 45cm
  • Central Bead Size: 17mm x 18mm
• 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.

From the 1st century BCE to the 4th century CE, glass craftsmanship flourished in the Roman Empire, producing a wide array of glass items for trade. These glass products, crafted along the Mediterranean coast, spread across a vast region from Northern Europe to Japan.

Initially, most glass items were opaque, but from the 1st century onwards, transparent glass gained popularity. Beads crafted during this era were highly valued as jewelry. While beads made from glass shards of cups and pitchers are more commonly found and thus more affordable, those specifically made as beads hold significant rarity and value.