A Roman Amber Bead, set as a pendant, ca. 2nd century CE

Amber was highly regarded by the ancients for healing and its power was used to treat all sorts of maladies from fever to leg pain.  This lovely example was hand-carved and polished in Roman times almost 2000 years ago. 

Amber is one of the world’s oldest and most coveted treasures, a “Gold of the Sea” intrinsically formed by light and life, preserved by time and washed upon the shores for humanity, a talisman of beauty, protection and renewal. It has been portrayed as drops of the sun, tears of the gods, hardened honey, and sunlight solidified, and is as desired today as it was in the most ancient cultures, utilized as far back as the Stone Age for its pleasing warmth of color, value in adornment, and its magical and medicinal properties.

Set as a pendant on an 20" sterling silver chain.

Condition:  Expected signs of wear that do not detract, intact and in very good condition overall.  A lovely example.

Provenance: Rita Okrent private collection, California, acquired in the 1960s and then by descent.