Ethiopian Necklace with Coptic Cross Amulet

Each black bead is studded with tiny silver dots, like a small night sky on a string.

This necklace with Coptic cross amulet is Ethiopian Orthodox, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 19th / early 20th century, in amber, black coral, coin silver and fine silver. In Ethiopia, pendant crosses are widely worn as a sign of Orthodox Christian faith. This cross has four rounded, teardrop arms, each set with domed bosses and outlined in twisted wire. It hangs from two hooks between bicone silver beads. Round black beads inlaid with silver dots make up most of the strand, with golden amber beads at the back. It is 26.5 inches long.

Faith at the center, with a starry escort.