Vintage Tibetan repousse sterling silver capped coral bead. Lapis and coral inset stones. Old. 31x22mm. 1 pc. b4-cor442

Vintage Tibet repousse silver capped red sponge coral bead. The cap has 6 coral and lapis inset stones. This bead was purchased in Nepal in the 1970s. Bead hole size 2mm. We have one bead only

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.