Beads

Unknown

19th–early 20th century · Gold, fabricated from sheet, wire, and swaged wire, decorated with granulation, set with turquoise · Islamic Art

Turquoise and gold beads of this shape are well known from the central region of Saudi Arabia. Typically, they were included in necklaces worn by Bedouin women, wherein they alternated with chunky beads of red coral and turquoise. Medieval accounts reveal that turquoise was believed to protect the wearer from the evil eye. In the Arabian Gulf, the gemstone has been sourced in the region of Mecca as well as further south in Yemen.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–early 20th century

Medium

Gold, fabricated from sheet, wire, and swaged wire, decorated with granulation, set with turquoise

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Mobil Foundation Inc. Gift, 1980