An exquisite restrung Western Asiatic necklace of gold, and carnelian beads decorated with ornate pendants. The main body of the necklace is comprised of alternating carnelian tubular beads and gold discs. Towards the centre of the necklace, the discs are decorated with granulated trails and feature in pairs above the pendants. The pendants themselves are all unique and comprised of colourful, semi-precious stones including carnelian, garnet, agate and turquoise. They feature natural striations and various shapes. Each pendant also includes gold beads decorated in various techniques from hammered to filigree. The necklace is finished with a gold clasp. Some minor wear and cracks to the pendants consistent with age, otherwise the necklace is in excellent condition. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Gold necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets would have been worn in everyday life but also buried with the deceased. Half length: 24.5cm Provenance: Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.