Red Seed Beads Appraisal

Multi-Strand Red Seed Bead and Yellow Stone Chip Necklace with Cabochon Pendant

This is a multi-strand beaded necklace, approximately 18-20 inches in length, featuring a striking combination of red glass seed beads and light yellow/chartreuse polished gemstone chips. The necklace is composed of multiple individual strands (at least 5-6 appear visible on each side) of small, uniform red seed beads that are twisted together to form the main body of the necklace. These red strands are interspersed with cascades of the yellowish gemstone chips. Each chip is irregularly shaped, indicating a natural material that has been tumbled or polished rather than faceted, and they vary slightly in size and hue, adding to the organic feel of the piece. The chips are attached to separate, thinner red bead strands that hang down from the main twisted sections. At the center of the necklace, a prominent, large, smooth, polished oval or rounded cabochon-style bead, matching the light yellow/chartreuse color of the smaller chips, serves as a focal point. It has a slightly translucent quality, allowing light to pass through and highlight its internal characteristics, possibly inclusions. The necklace is secured with a silver-toned lobster clasp and a jump ring, accompanied by a small extension chain. There are metal bead caps with an etched or decorative pattern where the multiple strands converge near the clasp, indicating some attention to finishing details. A white tag with a blue stripe, likely a price or identification tag, is visible near the clasp, suggesting it may be a new or recently acquired item from a retail setting. The overall condition appears good with no obvious signs of wear, chips, or damage to the beads or clasp. The craftsmanship suggests a bohemian or ethnic-inspired style, possibly from the late 20th or early 21st century.