Social distancing and a closed gallery has allowed us to complete a number of beading projects and although not a really recent reconstruction, this necklace is still one of my favorites so thought I would share. This necklace was restrung after we copied one of the blue faience terminals that is shaped in the form of a blue lotus blossom.

All components in this necklace date to the Amarna Period of Egypt's 18th dynasty, (ca. 1353-1336 BCE) and is a durable version of the elaborate perishable floral collars worn by banquet guests during this time.

Individually made in molds, the beads here display a row of white lotus petals with yellow and blue tips; a row of red dates with yellow tips, and a row of yellow mandrake fruits. These rows are joined by strands of small ring beads, the composition ending with triangular faience terminals incised with blue lotus blossoms. 

It is highly possible the jewelry elements depicting fruit, and flowers had an amuletic significance since all growing plants were inherently symbolic of new life and some flowers actually open each morning, reconfirming the idea of resurrection. 

Length: 8 3/4 inches (22.25 cm), Width: 8 1/4 inches (21 cm)