Mexican Precolumbian Jade Bead - Strand

Chunky green pebbles, speckled like moss, graduate toward a few pale, faceted beads at the center.

This Precolumbian jade bead strand comes from Mexico and dates to around 500, in Precolumbian jade. Across ancient Mesoamerica, jade was generally valued above gold, and beads like these were worked by abrasion with sand, water and patience. These are larger and more irregular than most, rounded nuggets and wedges in mottled sage, olive and cream with darker green flecks. A few pale, triangular beads cluster at the front. Their surfaces are matte, with small pits and soft polish on the high points. The strand sits close at the neck.

Weighty, earthy and very much at ease.