Antique Tibetan carved flattened oval turquoise melon bead with sterling silver caps. 33x21x12mm . b4-tur461

Antique Tibetan carved flattened oval turquoise melon bead with sterling silver caps.  .33x21x12mm. 19.5 grams. Antique but age uncertain with more recent silver caps. This bead was purchased in Nepal in the 1970s.

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.