Viana Beads Necklace (8mm)

Today’s Viana beads, which are hollow (and were once even lighter), are direct descendants of Greek, Phoenician, Roman and Etruscan beads, the Etruscan ones being closest to those made today. The granulation and the surrounding filigree were never more than ornament: what always mattered was the round, spherical shape. A woman from Viana would acquire her bead necklace before the much-desired gold rope chain. It was often bought one bead at a time with the young woman’s modest savings, usually earned from selling eggs or trading chickens.