Rare White Meerschaum Hand Carved Beaded Necklace from Turkey. The carved beads are graduated from 7 - 21mm in size on the necklace. Meerschaum is a variety of the mineral sepiolite usually found in Turkey. The beads are surprisingly light weight and are highly carved in a floral design. They are rare examples of carved beads with an old world design.

The name Meerschaum is the German word for sea foam (Meer, sea + Schaum, foam).  It is said that this designation was given because of the once held belief that it represented compressed whitecaps of waves in the sea;  its light weight and off-white color apparently led to this belief. The French call it 'écume de mer'. . 

• Size: 25 inches long
• Excellent condition

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