Necklace

Description

A necklace structured through paired triangular silver plaques, each suspending eight strands of coral beads arranged in graduated arcs. The plaques form the primary register, from which the bead strands descend, establishing a clear transition from fixed upper elements to a flexible lower field.

Each plaque is worked with granulation and incised lines dividing the surface into triangular fields. From the lower edge, eight strands of coral beads descend in parallel, increasing in length toward the centre to form a deep, curved profile. The strands are evenly spaced and maintain consistent alignment, creating a continuous field of repeated units across the lower register.

The coral beads are regular in size and closely strung, producing a dense and uniform surface. The suspension cord connects the two plaques at the upper register, allowing the structure to hold while the lower strands remain mobile. The contrast between rigid silver elements and the descending bead field defines the composition.

Context

Yemeni jewellery of this type is organised through the relationship between fixed silver plaques and suspended bead strands. Structural emphasis rests on the upper elements, while repetition and graduated length determine the form and weight of the lower section.

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection.

Acquired in Yemen, date unrecorded.

Available on private enquiry.