I inherited this sterling stamped bead necklace from my late brother who I believe bought the piece in 2001 from an estate auction in Alabama. My brother kept this antique piece in the safe with his other Navajo Native American pieces. I assumed this necklace to be a part of his Navajo collection. I listed the item for sale on eBay for $675.00 based on my research.
I de-listed the necklace yesterday on eBay after receiving an email message from another eBay member. He stated that the necklace is not Native American and probably originated in an Eastern Asia country like India. I decided to let InstAppraisal take a look at this piece since I am very satisfied with their previous results.
The circa of the necklace is dated 1900s based on the style and type of stamped silver beads and the fact that the artisan used a fabric cord to string the beads. The necklace has been tested for sterling. It weights 233 grams and is 28" inches long. Also, as a note the artisan used bake-lite beads on this antique necklace. I dated the circa at 1900s because bake-lite was not introduced into jewelry making until 1927.
Update: 4/14/14
I recently spoke with an individual from India who owns storefront antique shops in the United Kingdom and India. Her native homeland is India. She specializes in ancient and antique tribal jewelry and other artifacts from India. She also has an incredible store on ebay. http://stores.ebay.com/tribaldiamond/
I had sent her a brief history of the stamp beaded necklace and photographs. Here is what she said about necklace:
"Hi
I been travelling on business just got back.It doesn't look like an indian necklace to me. I never seen one Like this.
Although the stringing is similar but I think it's from yeman if you go back in time Most tribal jewellery is quite similar to one another hence we are all one.
Try your search maybe Istanbul that region.Let me know how you get on.
Regards
Pamella"
Update:4/21/2014
I sent the pictures with a brief history of necklace to an individual who native homeland is Israel. She has several antique shops in Eastern Europe, Israel, etc. She also owns several online antique jewelry shops. She specializes in vintage tribal and ethnic jewelry such as Bedouin, Yemeni, Indian, Native American, Morrocan, Berber and Middle Eastern jewelry (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Anteeka?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav)
Here is her comment:
"...Hello Willie,I am not an "expert" but yes it does look Yemeni. It has several elements that point to its origin, the filigree pendant for one the berry beads in between with the granulation on them are used by the Jewish Yemeni silversmiths as well as the weaving of twine at the ends, so it is safe to say Yemeni. Good luck. It looks beautiful.Best,Nada..."
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
I spoke with a person from India who owns various antique storefronts in the United Kingdom and India. Her native home is India. She specializes in tribal and India artifacts. She also owns a store on ebay. http://stores.ebay.com/tribaldiamond/
I sent her pictures of the necklace with a brief history. Here is her reply:
"Hi
I been travelling on business just got back.It doesn't look like an indian necklace to me I never seen one Like this.
Although the stringing is similar but I think it's from yeman if you go back in time Most tribal jewellery is quite similar to one another hence we are all one.
Try your search maybe Istanbul that region.
Let me know how you get on.Regards
Pamella"
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
Vintage Yemen Yemenite Filigree Silver Amber Necklace
100% sure its Yemen. 100% sure not Native American Indian.
I think you just need the right person to come along and buy it.. Good Luck
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
Thank you!
Willie
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
I agree. it was long road to get to the real history of this Yemeni necklace.
Regards,
Willie
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
I've only seen one piece of Yemeni silver like this sell in recent years, as part of a set that included a Kaffat (Forehead Adornment), Kirdan (Collar), Anklet and Hair Adornment. The set sold for $475.00.
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
It is getting a lot of inquiries on eBay. I had a person from Australia asked about it this morning. I did an acetate on amber-coloured beads and they tested positive as being amber. However, more expert testing is needed to confirm. I have necklace listed at $575.00 with "make me an offer" feature. I don't expect any buyers at $575.00. But within price range of $375.00 to $475.00. Thanks for your response.
Willie
Re: Antique Sterling Stamped Bead Necklace ca. 1900s
When traveling in Havar Croatia, jewelry pieces such as yours were proudly displayed in several local jewelers shops, but not for sale
We too have a number of of these pieces: they are silver and Amber from the Bedouin Tribes in the Middle East. I have no idea of their worth, but should anyone find out please let me know
Shucran