A delicate Western Asiatic hollow-formed, spherical gold bead. It features a central filigree band from which granulated triangles radiate, alternating with filigree circular motifs. There are slight indentations and some dark tarnishing to the surface. The bead has been pierced for suspension, with filigree decoration surrounding the piercing. The perforation is now blocked. Many grand civilizations 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. 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. Measurements: (circa) L 1.2cm x W 1.1cm Weight: 2.11g Provenance: From the property of late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.