Vintage Nepal large carved banded carnelian agate melon bead with repousse sterling silver caps. 64x22mm. b4-car405

Vintage  Nepal large carved banded carnelian agate melon bead with repousse sterling silver caps. Natural old carnelian bead set more recently in sterling silver caps by artisans in Nepal.   This is an old bead that shows a bit of wear which greatly adds to its character.  A wonderful focal bead.  64x22mm. 38.8 grams.

The Tibetans sometimes applied gold or silver caps to the ends of valuable ancient stone beads such as etched carnelians, dZi and banded agates to conceal damage or reinforce fragile beads. This style has been copied in some vintage and contemporary silver-capped beads from Nepal.

This is a beautiful hand carved bead that was made 50 years ago and is much higher quality and has more character than the ones mass produced today.