Necklace with Large Heliotropes (“Bloodstones”)

Culture: Iran

Period: 2nd millennium B.C.

Material: Agates, Bloodstones

Dimensions: 76 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6064

Provenance: Austrian private collection Heide Ramadan, acquired between 1970 and 1990.

Condition: Some wear because of age, but modern restrung and ready to wear.

Description: Modern restrung, very long necklace with large, cylindrical agate pearls. Between them so called heliotropes or “bloodstones” which were considered the most beautiful and most precious form of jasper. In the Near East they were called sun stones, healing powers were attributed to them because they were regarded to soak blood. Still in Roman times heliotropes were worn, especially by gladiators in the arena.