April 21, 2008

Jewelry


Image courtesy Mark Aldendefer

I've become a bit obsessed with jewelry since I discovered Etsy. Which is probably why I spotted this while reading the news online...

The National Academy of Sciences reconstructed gold and turquoise beads found at a burial site in Southern Peru, into this necklace. This is the oldest known gold jewelry made in the Americas and is estimated to be 4000 years old.

Blue cord aside, this is lovely. What do you suppose 4000 year old gold and turquoise beads are worth?
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11 comments:

michvanetta said...

.....ummmmm quite alot. It's awesome!!!

Penelope said...

I don't know how much they'd be worth (I imagine quite a bit!) but it's funny you should post this today- I've just bagged up some beads for de-stash that I thrifted years ago, and something tells me they're antiquarian...but how do you tell? Beads have been made the same way for thousands of years, the method hasn't changed and therefore neither has the look. I like to think that sometimes we come across ancient things- my brother has actually found Roman glassware in the thrift shop, so it's possible!

Rosebud Collection said...

Isn't it interesting? I guess you really can't put a price on it..

Hey Harriet said...

I have no idea...be interesting to know the value. Would be way over my budget anyways. Lucky I'm not THAT fond of it. Phew!

Unknown said...

Curious as well...it is interesting how design in beading has not changed all that much in the last 4000 years huh?

picciolo said...

oh I've missed loads! The card you made is really cute, how exciting that work has started in your garden, and Congratulations on your anniversary, that wedding picture is gorgeous! And what an interesting piece about these beads, I love them
: )

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

That piece is stunning!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Probably priceless. This almost looks fresh and new: timeless.

Kennon Young said...

What is it worth? Priceless. There is no way to value such an item- unless there are others like it. Realistically, it is worth the public excitement or ticket sales when people pay to see it in a museum or collection.

This is an INCOME approach to value; rarely used to value jewelry.

"A man walking through the desert dying of thirst carries a parcel of diamonds. How many diamonds- if not all- would he give for just one cup of water?"

Mrs.French said...

I can't believe how beautiful it is and how it would look so wonderful with so many things in my closet. Yes, so if you could get a price on that, that would be great. :)

Unknown said...

i think it will cost a lot!! it does look 'different' but unique still :)