A fine restrung Western Asiatic polychromatic beaded necklace comprised of agate stones in shades of white, cream, pink and grey and gold spacers. Rhombic and bicone shaped agate stones form the upper part of the necklace, alternating between larger and smaller stones. Midway down the necklace, a pattern of two small rhombic stones flanking a short, cylindrical gold spacer with two granulated bands at either rim repeats between the larger stones. The stones gradually increase in size towards a centrepiece of grey banded agate, settled horizontally and flaked by two gold spacers. The necklace is finished with a modern gold-plated clasp. Some chips and wear consistent with age. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in antiquity, and 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. Fine granulation, as we can see on this item, 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. Precious and semi-precious stones were also widely used. Measurements: (circa) Half Length 20.5cm; Full Length 44.5cm Provenance: Ex S.M. London collection, 1970-2000s by descent.