Brass Strand of Beads

Lumpy, crusted little castings that look dug up rather than strung.

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. Irregular knobby beads in many shapes, some bulbous, some spindle-like, with ridged coils and rough pitted surfaces. The finish is heavily weathered, dull gold to grey-brown with pale mineral crust in the crevices.

Gnarled, lopsided and entirely sure of itself.