Red jasper, pyrite and glass necklace

This four-strand necklace is a true archive gem — one of those pieces that catches the eye and stays in your memory for a long time.
The four strands intertwine with a steady rhythm, while the stones have been carefully selected and paired for their unique and imperfect shapes: deep-colored jasper, pyrite with its golden metallic reflections, and especially the antique striped glass beads — the classic “trade beads” — with their colorful stripes that tell stories of distant markets and ancient exchanges.

Trade Beads (literally “beads for trading”) are glass beads mainly produced in Europe, particularly in Venice and Murano. Once considered precious and rare, they were used as currency when they reached Africa. They became deeply integrated into daily and ritual life: symbols of social status, they were worn in hairstyles, jewelry, and ceremonial costumes, and often reinterpreted in local art and craftsmanship.

The contrast between the stones and the leather cord is what gives this piece its originality. The soft yet sturdy leather makes the necklace comfortable to wear despite its strong presence, adding an unusual touch that sets it apart from classic ethnic jewelry.
The small Afghan tribal pendant arrives as an unexpected detail, giving even more personality to the design.

This is not a delicate or discreet necklace. It’s a jewel with character and history — the kind that completes an outfit and makes it instantly more interesting.