Multi-strand seed bead necklace Nepal yellow ethnographic antique – Schmuckrausch Vintage

This antique seed bead necklace captivates with its powerful yet harmonious effect, featuring predominantly yellow glass beads complemented by subtle blue-green and occasional red accents in the upper section. The 65 fine strands lie softly and closely together, creating a vibrant, flowing overall effect. The necklace is fully wearable and an authentic example of ethnographic jewelry culture from the central Himalayas, particularly Nepal.

These small glass beads originate from early European production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and reached the Himalayan region via historical trade routes. They exhibit a naturally matured patina, typical of well-preserved antique seed beads. Yellow beads were particularly prized in the everyday jewelry of many Nepalese communities and symbolize light, energy, and presence.

With its 65 strands, the necklace has an impressive fullness, yet appears soft and supple on the neck. The individual pearls have a diameter of approximately 1.8 to 2.7 mm and create a fine, uniform structure. The weight of 57 grams is comfortably distributed, and the necklace drapes smoothly and comfortably.

The clasp consists of an Indian 10-paisa coin from 1966, complemented by a simple copper eyelet and a traditional thread loop. Such improvised, functional closures are typical of long-worn multi-strand necklaces from this region. The necklace has been worn intensively for many years – this use is visible and gives the piece its special character and authenticity.

Passing on and wearing such antique beadwork preserves a rich jewelry tradition and existing materials. Instead of producing new pieces, a jewelry item with a lived history remains in use – a quiet, timeless idea of sustainability.

Details
Material: Glass beads (seed beads)
Design: multi-row, 65 strands
Color: Yellow with blue-green and occasional red accents
Bead diameter: approx. 1.8–2.7 mm
Weight: 57 g
Origin: Nepal, central Himalayas
Time period: late 19th / early 20th century
Closure: 10-Paisa coin (India, 1966) with copper eyelet and thread loop
Condition: very good, clearly and authentically worn, beautiful patina

An expressive, vibrant necklace with a history – ethnographic, powerful, and yet soft to wear.

English description

This antique seed bead necklace stands out for its vibrant yet harmonious composition of predominantly yellow glass beads, accented by subtle blue-green and occasional red details near the ends. The 65 fine strands lie closely and softly together, creating a fluid and lively appearance. The necklace is fully wearable and represents an authentic example of ethnographic jewelry from the central Himalayas, particularly Nepal.

The small glass beads originate from early European production dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and reached the Himalayan region through historic trade routes. They display a naturally aged patina typical of well-preserved antique seed beads. Yellow beads were especially valued in everyday jewelry among many Nepali communities, symbolizing light, vitality and presence.

With 65 strands, the necklace has impressive volume while remaining soft and flexible on the neck. The individual beads measure approximately 1.8 to 2.7 mm in diameter, creating a fine and even texture. Despite its weight of 57 grams, it wears comfortably and drapes smoothly.

The closure consists of an Indian 10 paisa coin dated 1966, combined with a simple copper loop and a traditional yarn fastening. Such functional, improvised closures are typical for long-worn multi-strand necklaces from this region. The necklace has been worn extensively over many years, a history that is visible and adds to its authentic character.

Preserving and wearing historic beadwork like this keeps traditional jewelry culture alive and makes use of existing materials rather than producing new ones – a timeless and natural approach to sustainability.

Details
Material: glass seed beads
Design: multi-strand, 65 strands
Colour: yellow with blue-green and occasional red accents
Bead diameter: approx. 1.8-2.7mm
Weight: 57 g
Origin: Nepal, central Himalayas
Period: late 19th / early 20th century
Closure: 10 paisa coin (India, 1966) with copper loop and yarn
Condition: very good, visibly and authentically worn, with natural patina

The clasp consists of an Indian 10-paisa coin from 1966, complemented by a simple copper eyelet and a traditional thread loop. Such improvised, functional closures are typical of long-worn multi-strand necklaces from this region. The necklace has been worn intensively for many years – this use is visible and gives the piece its special character and authenticity.

Passing on and wearing such antique beadwork preserves a rich jewelry tradition and existing materials. Instead of producing new pieces, a jewelry item with a lived history remains in use – a quiet, timeless idea of sustainability.

Details
Material: Glass beads (seed beads)
Design: multi-row, 65 strands
Color: Yellow with blue-green and occasional red accents
Bead diameter: approx. 1.8–2.7 mm
Weight: 57 g
Origin: Nepal, central Himalayas
Time period: late 19th / early 20th century
Closure: 10-Paisa coin (India, 1966) with copper eyelet and thread loop
Condition: very good, clearly and authentically worn, beautiful patina

An expressive, vibrant necklace with a history – ethnographic, powerful, and yet soft to wear.

English description

This antique seed bead necklace stands out for its vibrant yet harmonious composition of predominantly yellow glass beads, accented by subtle blue-green and occasional red details near the ends. The 65 fine strands lie closely and softly together, creating a fluid and lively appearance. The necklace is fully wearable and represents an authentic example of ethnographic jewelry from the central Himalayas, particularly Nepal.

The small glass beads originate from early European production dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and reached the Himalayan region through historic trade routes. They display a naturally aged patina typical of well-preserved antique seed beads. Yellow beads were especially valued in everyday jewelry among many Nepali communities, symbolizing light, vitality and presence.

With 65 strands, the necklace has impressive volume while remaining soft and flexible on the neck. The individual beads measure approximately 1.8 to 2.7 mm in diameter, creating a fine and even texture. Despite its weight of 57 grams, it wears comfortably and drapes smoothly.

The closure consists of an Indian 10 paisa coin dated 1966, combined with a simple copper loop and a traditional yarn fastening. Such functional, improvised closures are typical for long-worn multi-strand necklaces from this region. The necklace has been worn extensively over many years, a history that is visible and adds to its authentic character.

Preserving and wearing historic beadwork like this keeps traditional jewelry culture alive and makes use of existing materials rather than producing new ones – a timeless and natural approach to sustainability.

Details
Material: glass seed beads
Design: multi-strand, 65 strands
Colour: yellow with blue-green and occasional red accents
Bead diameter: approx. 1.8-2.7mm
Weight: 57 g
Origin: Nepal, central Himalayas
Period: late 19th / early 20th century
Closure: 10 paisa coin (India, 1966) with copper loop and yarn
Condition: very good, visibly and authentically worn, with natural patina