Costume Beads Appraisal

Venetian Millefiori Glass Bead Necklace

This item is a graduated strand necklace composed of individual Venetian millefiori glass beads. The beads are predominantly white (or off-white) in color, forming the base for intricate floral and abstract designs in shades of pink, rose, green, and yellow, with prominent crimson or dark red wavy lines and scrolls. The designs vary slightly from bead to bead, showcasing the handcrafted nature of the millefiori technique, where sliced glass canes are fused and incorporated into the bead's surface. The beads are generally spherical to slightly ovoid and appear to be strung on a thread or cord, which is not clearly visible but inferred. The necklace exhibits a graduated design, with larger beads at the center front and progressively smaller beads towards the back. The largest beads appear to be approximately 10-12mm in diameter, tapering down to smaller sizes around 4-6mm. The overall condition appears to be very good given the estimated age of 145 years, suggesting careful preservation. While some minor surface wear, slight pitting, or small chips inherent to vintage glass beads may be present upon closer inspection, they are not overtly visible in the provided image. The consistency in color palette and design elements across the beads indicates they were likely created as a cohesive set. This style is characteristic of Venetian glasswork, particularly the Murano region, known for its lampwork and millefiori techniques. The craftsmanship suggests a dedication to intricate detail and traditional bead-making methods.