A Roman Glass Eye Bead set as a Pendant, Roman Period, ca. 1st century BCE
A Roman Glass Eye Bead set as a Pendant, Roman Period, ca. 1st century BCE
A Roman Glass Eye Bead set as a Pendant, Roman Period, ca. 1st century BCE
A Roman Glass Eye Bead set as a Pendant, Roman Period, ca. 1st century BCE
A Roman Glass Eye Bead set as a Pendant, Roman Period, ca. 1st century BCE

A Roman Glass Eye Bead set as a Pendant, Roman Period, ca. 1st century BCE

RJ2402

Regular price950 USD
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

A lovely round core-formed eye bead featuring dark blue and white eyes, rimmed with black against a sky blue background. The bead has been re-mounted as a pendant necklace in 14K modern gold.

The eye symbol has always played an important role in magic beliefs and practices. Eye beads were commonly seen as apotropaic, their primary function being that of protecting against the ˜Evil Eye. The earliest types of eye beads (first half of the 1st millennium BC) were made by applying a trail from a molten rod of glass of a contrasting color onto a base bead essentially drawing circles on the surface of the bead. Extensive catalog of beads and other small objects from the Israel Museum in 2001 constitutes a pioneering step towards recognition of beads as a significant class of archaeological treasures. For related examples see: Spaer M., Ancient Glass in the Israel Museum. Beads and other small objects. Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2001, pl. 8: 102

Medium: Glass

Dimensions:  Bead height: 6 mm. Set as a pendant on an adjustable chain of 18K yellow gold.

Condition: The bead is intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance: Private collection of Mark and Lottie S.; Hartsdale, NY, acquired in the 1950s-1960s.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.  Overseas shipments are sent using either USPS Priority Mail or FedEx but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Come Visit Our Gallery

Any item from this site may be viewed by appointment at our Washington, DC location

Tuesday - Friday between 11 am - 5 pm.

Phone: 202 342 0518

Get directions