Brass Strand of Beads

Three-lobed spiral plates, strung like a row of tiny medals.

This is a strand of beads. It is brass. Brass beads are generally made by casting in small molds or by the lost-wax method, then strung in lengths that are worn or traded. The beads are long ribbed bars set against fans of three engraved, rounded discs. Colour is a soft old gold with olive tarnish in the grooves. A small pale patch of residue sits on one lobe.

Patient engraving, all those little rings.