Brass Strand of Beads

Little cages of looped wire, strung like the world's tiniest lanterns.

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. Spool-shaped beads built of curled wire loops, glinting bright rose-gold and open enough to see through. They are strung closely on pale thread in a long double curve. Every bead is a small, lacy bulb. The strand is 30 inches long.

Delicate openwork with a surprising amount of nerve.