Carved Longevity Bead Hubei Turquoise Necklace, 22" in. j-nlbd2190

This is an outstanding vintage 22" long carved turquoise necklace. The slightly graduated deeply carved Shou turquoise beads inter-spaced with 6-6.5mm Hubei turquoise spacer beads originated in China and saucer shaped sterling silver beads. The necklace is terminated with a sterling silver tribal "S" clasp. The condition is excellent, the quality of the carving is exemplary and the quality and color of the turquoise. These carved beads are very old and very rare.Similar beads were used in Qing Dynasty Mandarin court necklaces. Weight is 47.5 grams