Golden Bead Necklace with Carnelian Accents: Inspired by Pre-Columbian Elegance

Red Beads and Golden Discs: A Carnelian Bead Necklace

Three round gold pendants swing between warm red stones on a 16 in strand. This carnelian bead necklace closes with a gold plate clasp.

The golden bead necklace takes its cue from nose ornaments made in Colombia between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Product Details

• Material: Gold plated beads, carnelian beads, gold plate clasp
• Length: 16 in
• Product number: 7959
• Style: Colombian nose ornament necklace, Pre-Columbian bead necklace
• Origin: Made in USA

From Nose Ornament to Necklace

Nose ornaments were among the earliest forms of facial jewelry. In Colombia they were made in gold and worn by people of rank.

The Met notes that Calima examples show wear and repair, so they were worn in life. A Colombian nose ornament necklace moves that form to the neck.

Why Carnelian?

Carnelian is a red-orange quartz prized in many ancient cultures for its warm color. Against gold it glows like a coal.

Round pendants add movement. They catch light when you turn.

Wearing and Display

Wear the carnelian bead necklace over a plain neckline. The 16 in length sits near the collarbone. Wipe with a soft cloth.

A Pre-Columbian bead necklace suits both casual and dressy clothes. See more in our Museum Jewelry Necklaces.

About Colombian Gold

Ancient Colombian smiths cast gold alloys with great skill and linked metal color to the sun and moon. This carnelian bead necklace is a museum-inspired tribute to that craft. A golden bead necklace of this kind is made in the USA.

For More Reading from the Web

• Read how ancient Colombian smiths made nose ornaments and linked gold to the sun. A Pre-Columbian bead necklace begins in that world. Metalwork in Ancient Colombia - The Metropolitan Museum of Art