An elegant restrung Western Asiatic necklace comprised of small bicone and ellipsoid beads, made from lapis lazuli. The beads are uniform in size throughout the necklace, and feature unique hues of rich blue alongside natural striations. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string. Lapis lazuli stone was highly regarded in Mesopotamia and the Near East in general. Rulers and members of the elite had the custom of being buried with ornaments made partly or entirely of this semi-precious stone. The first use of this beautiful, vibrant rich blue stone dates back to the Neolithic, when it was first mined in the Near East and exported to the Mediterranean area and South Asia. Measurements: Circa half length 31cm, beaded half length 20.5cm. Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.