| Original Message: EBay Stuff |
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Having viewed the photos and read the "description," I would be inclined to suppose the seller is just guessing. I think it is unlikely this bead is centuries old, and it looks like a North African bead (from Mauritania), and not like an Arabian bead from Yemen. It could also easily be ebony and not black coral. I have participated at eBay since 1997—and I have been documenting mistaken auctions and offerings for nearly twenty years now. EBay is the best place to go to, if you want to be misinformed and ripped-off. Let's say their bead WAS found in Yemen. It would still probably be a Mauritanian wood bead. We always have to remember that beads are moved around. And that sellers pump-up the origin, age, and rarity of beads—in order to get a high price—AND due to ignorance and guessing. I agree with Stefany about the differences between Yemeni black coral, and Mauritanian ebony wood. (Of course.) However, among the Eastern Mediterranean/Arabian "coral" prayer beads, these might be wood, or plastic, or even perhaps jet. The silver dots are actually tiny nails that are hammered-in. (Not "wires.") Also, the beads that are being discussed (having multiple graduated sizes) are consistent with Mauritanian necklaces. (These are often joined by wirework in intact necklaces.) JDA All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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