A Mesopotamian Carnelian Bead set as a pendant, ca. 2nd millennium BCE

Carved from gorgeous fiery red-orange carnelian, this unusual bead features a central rectangle with precise crosshatching, terminating with a point on either end, two small suspension loops carved into the top.

Dimensions: Length: 3 cm (1.18 inches). Strung on a 16-inch silver chain

Condition: very minor losses to each terminal otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance: Rita Okrent private collection, California acquired in the 1960s.