Large Antique Chevron Beads Necklace

Necklace with large antique Chevron millefiori beads and a silver clasp.
Chevron beads, also known as Rosetta beads, are glass beads produced in Venice from the late 15th century using a complex multi-layered cane technique. Their distinctive star-shaped cross-section, created by layering differently colored glass and then grinding the cane, has made these beads among the most recognizable examples of the Venetian glassmaking tradition.

The dark blue examples with white and red decorations at the ends belong to one of the classic varieties produced for trade with Africa, where Venetian Chevron beads were used for centuries as trade goods and highly prized personal ornaments.

The beads composing this necklace are generously sized (from 20 to 27 mm / 0.79 to 1.06 inches in length) and display slight but ancient signs of wear, smoothly polished by time.

Dimensions. Length: 42 cm (16.54 inches).

Weight: 83 g (2.93 oz).