Necklace of rare antique Chinese Peking glass beads in an opaque plum color. nlbd2173

Necklace of rare antique Chinese Peking glass beads in an opaque plum color. The necklace features a large tabular disk on knotted cord with 25 matching round beads. No clasp, slips over the head; there is a cinch bead to adjust the length.. The disk measures 1 3/4 inches by 1/2 inches and the beads average 11mm.The necklace circumference is adjustable from 25-40 inches.

This type of old Chinese glass has wonderful soft colors and bubbles and was often intended to simulate gemstones such as jade, emeralds and quartz. Before 1911, beads of this type were made as counterweight pendants to mandarin Court jewelry. After 1911 these disk beads were made for the Chinese Opera costumes.