An Egyptian Carnelian Bead set as a pendant, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2017 - 1750 BCE

With its graduating matrix from soft white to fiery reddish-orange, this carnelian bead is just superb!   Considered one of the six most prized semi-precious stones by the ancient Egyptians, it was hand-carved and polished over 4000 years ago.  Endowed with the magical properties of power, courage, healing, and protection, carnelian is passionate but soothing, fiery and protective, mystical and metaphorical making it particularly soothing to wear. 

Dimensions:  Diameter: 3/8 inch (0.95 cm), restrung as a pendant on an adjustable 22-inch chain of 14K gold.

Condition:  Expected signs of wear that do not detract, the carnelian is intact and in very good condition overall.  A lovely example.

Provenance:  Lenman/Stohlman collection, assembled prior to 1916.   Exhibited: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 1921-1938.