Long Brass and Opal Necklace
A long necklace combining grooved, matte brass beads from Thailand with a central turqoise nugget bead, various Peruvian opals, faceted florite and an old bottlegreen Vaseline glass bead. Individual stone, glass and metal beads, each uniquely shaped and cut, are highlighted and juxtaposed in this design. Placed asymmetrically on each side are Boule spirals, small brass pendants and rod beads.
Originally found in West African countries such as Ghana or the Ivory Coast, Boule beads were handmade from wound brass tubes using the ancient lost wax technique. A mold is made for each bead and then destroyed to remove it. Boule beads were part of a family tradition of bead making, with tools and techniques being passed on from generation to generation.
80cm/31.5 inches