Ethiopian Necklace

Amber strung with silver, and a lacy cross hanging below.

This necklace is made of amber with silver elements, and comes from Ethiopia, East Africa, in the 20th century. Cross pendants are widely associated with Ethiopian Christian tradition, and ornate openwork crosses are commonly worn as jewelry. The pendant here is finely pierced, with a scrolled top loop and small rounded arm ends. Above it, irregular amber beads of pale yellow and orange are spaced with small silver spheres and caps. The beads are cloudy, with natural variation.

About 21 inches long. Sunlit beads and an intricate cross make a good pairing.