Vintage Tibetan Carnelian Pema Raka Melon Bead, Silver Capped Ends,12.8 Grams

This is an old, approximately 80 years, Tibetan carnelian (Pema Raka) bead and in the traditional barrel-shape with longitudian creases. It has repousse high grade silver capps (added at a later date).

The bead has cinbar dots, what are referred to as "blood spots," which are tiny red dots in the areas, indicative of iron content.

It is also nown as Pema Raka - the form originally derived from the lotus-bud as the name lotus harmonizes with the amuletic nature of the bead, the lotus being considered sacred since time immemorial.

In listing photo No. 3 - it will show that there is a vertical aging crack in the carnelian bead, which has been there for quite some time. It does not detract in any way - or make the bead unstable.

I have strung on a 2.5 mm cord - 36 cm (18") with chain extension to 50 cm (20"). It has four antique glass beads.

Length: 3.2 cm (1 1/4")
Widtht: 2 cm (7/8")
Weight: 12.8 (0.455)
Tested: High Grade Silver End Caps