Necklace of rare antique Chinese Peking glass beads. nlbd1245(e)

Necklace of rare antique Chinese Peking glass beads in a glowing plum color. The necklace features a large tabular disk on knotted cord with 13 matching round beads. No clasp, slips over the head; there is a cinch bead to adjust the length.. The disk measures 1 1/2 inches by 7/16 inches and the beads average 11mm. The maximum necklace circumference is 36 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.