Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Beggar’s Bead Necklace – Polished Multi-Gemston

This 18" jewelry piece is an excellent example of mid-century "beggar's bead" jewelry, heavily popularized during the bohemian fashion movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Visual Characteristics & Composition Gemstones: It features an eclectic mix of natural, highly polished semi-precious gemstones including banded agate, vibrant orange-red carnelian, green aventurine, and translucent quartz. Shape: The stones are tumbled nuggets, preserving their unique, organic, and asymmetrical shapes rather than being cut into uniform spheres. Structure: Each large gemstone is separated by tiny metallic spacer beads (typically brass or gold-toned base metal), which provide spacing and flexibility to the strand. Hardware: Pieces from this specific era traditionally close with a brass or gold-plated barrel screw clasp. Cultural Style The "beggar's bead" style is celebrated for its earthy, tactile aesthetic. Because every natural stone nugget varies in color saturation, banding patterns, and natural inclusions, no two pieces are exactly identical.