Thanks again
Paula

Necklaces of these beads became widely available out of Burma/India in the 1980s (around the same time that pumtek beads had made their appearance). These necklaces are typically long cylinders alternating with short cylinders (disks), and the center of the format is typically three large disks, tending to be thick and wedge shaped. The beads are graduated. Necklaes also sometimes have other beads included: small spheroidal yellow glass; colorless plastic beads, etc. Oddly, the first one I ever saw was a plastic fake, said to be from Nepal (or at least bought in Nepal)—but I've never seen another one. The amber is surely Burmese, and is typically orangy-brown, translucent, and often has dark inclusions swirling around. I bought mine from Thor and Judy Carlsson (Art Expo) at that time.

Cheers, Jamey

Here is an example from my collection of a necklace using the Burmese Amber.

According to Oppi Untracht, in his book "Traditional Jewelry of India", Burmite (Burmese Amber), is a highly prized variety of amber found only in Burma, that was known to Chinese collectors as early as the Han dynasty, circa 206 BC to 220 AD.

My necklace seems to have metal disc shape spacer beads made of aluminium or perhaps an alloy of sorts. I think they are very rich and lovely.

Best regards,

Jan Skipper
mosquitobay