ArtFire

Ancient banded agate beads. Collected by passers by or by clandestine excavators from ancient buried ruins and tombs of the proto-Iranian people. Sold by the collectors to merchants who brought the material into the U. S. many years ago. Merchants then sell to collectors who know the cultural value of the stone beads.

The beads both are flattened ovoid beads.

These kinds of beads were made in Greater Persia (Outer and Inner Iran) from 3,000 B. C. to 600 B.C. These are no younger than 2400 years old. Their patina gives mute witness to great age. The darkening of the agate, the wear showing at the bead hole, and the style and material of the bead all reveal attributes of great age.

The larger bead is 17 mm diam x 23 mm long.

References:

Victor Sarianidi, Necropolis of Gonur, Athens, 2007
Victor Sarianidi, Myths of Ancient Bactria and Margiana on its Seals and Amulets, 1998
Giancarlo Ligabue and Sandro Salvatori, Bactria, Venice, 198-
Lois Sherr Dubin, The History of Beads, New York, 1987

Agate

International Buyers are welcome to my California based shop. Please browse, ask questions, discuss items, shipping, or guarantees. Please use the Contact Seller link, not the comment box. I am happy to respond quickly to any of your inquiries. I will consider shipping to other countries than are listed here, depending on the import regulations of the country.

Shipping is available to all addresses after payment is posted. Unless the customer requests and pays for an expedited method, domestic and international shipping is via United States Postal Service. The item will be wrapped carefully and packed in protective material in a postal service approved package. Delivery confirmation and insurance will be paid by me, the Seller.

On certain items, the shipping will be free.

I accept returned items if they are in the same condition as when shipped and if returned within a reasonable amount of time after receiving them. An item can be returned for any reason. I guarantee your satisfaction.

Lay-Away Plan is available to Paypal account holders on purchases amounting to US $200.00 and above. The schedule and amounts of payments are to be agreed upon by Buyer and Seller. The billing and payment are by private invoice.

RESERVE AND HOLD PLAN AVAILABLE. If interested, contact the seller.

For international buyers, it is important to note: If you need to know what import or VAT taxes your country may charge, please consult your Postal Service or government Tax Office.