Quartz (5 artisan antique 19th century beads) - Petrified Wood and Agate

Item Description

Here is a set of five artisan beads crafted from a few Quartz varieties long ago in a traditional antique style: Agate, Quartz variety Carnelian and Petrified Wood (also technically Quartz). The single, attractive Agate bead is multi-hued in bands ranging from opaque, off-white with thin white bands to to a translucent gray-brown to an almost transparent brown. The Carnelian bead is obvious with its length bathed in a transparent, rich, glowing red accented by several painted ivory-white grooves. The two-tone Petrified beads are a rich brown with inlaid or painted geometric designs and bands. The label indicates they originate from Bagan in the Mandalay Division. Striking, colorful and unusual, these were used as decorative items locally in the Mogok Valley for centuries. All are antiques, which Bill Larson confirmed he bought from antique dealers in Burma whom he trusted. All are dated to the 19th century (1800s) and he relayed that he paid over $100 each, in Burma, in the 90s and early 2000s. A really interesting accent suite for any quartz collection.