Chinese (?) necklace, 3 -face bead.

Has anyone ever seen similar? Wondering what the material of the beads is. Some are discolored as shown. The face beads are so unusual. One has 2 faces, one has 3, and then there is a snake. It seems to have some quality, I don't think tremendously old, but could be 2nd half of 20th century I suppose. Any keywords, thoughts, all appreciated!

 

The beads are ivory.
Ivory was still sold in department stores in the mid 1980s.

It's a nice looking necklace, I like. Sorry can't help more.

Will quickly add the discoloration seems to be from around the neck, probably from perspiration, perfume, and/or hairspray.

 

Thank you, Cluttered.

Not sure what my next step is... I am not crazy about selling ivory, plus I don't think you can sell it on Ebay, so maybe moot.

I've found other necklaces online with 2 face beads sort of situated like this, surrounded by plain beads, but the necklaces I saw almost couldn't be more different. Sort of ghoulish faces, and the beads were a mottled green, seller said "jade" but hard to tell. I wounder if this is a modern updated version of an antique design?

Still going to poke around to see if I can find anything remotely similar.

If anyone else has ideas, please let me know. Thanks!

 

Hi Lucille,
I love that necklace.
greg

 

It looks like one my grandma had,except hers didnt have crystal beads. I think its beautiful,ivory issues notwithstanding.

 

Well, since you asked....I don't believe it is what it is......and it is what it is.
It's an ivory ball bead necklace with 3 carvings.
I don't know there to be any special style or name to go with it.
I think it's been messed with....likely restrung at some point to turn a choker , somewhat longer.
I see one misplaced knot , and poor graduation of the beads close to the clasp.

Those glass or plastic beads are unknown to me for this type of necklace, and imo , ruin the look of the natural materials, & take away from the carvings , which should be the focal point of the piece.

The clasp with it's safety lock , looks 1960's.....maybe into the 70's.

 

I found the first one online, too. Comparing to that one, this is positively newer, not as old, for sure. I also agree with the 60's-70's time frame being a strong possibility.

The inability to find anything similar in age had me wondering too if this was a custom piece, or redone, although the carved face beads seem also 60's-70's. The top beads are hand knotted, where that ends is where you are seeing what looks like a misplaced knot.

The clear beads are glass or some kind of crystal. The clasp is brass.

Thanks for taking a look.