This strand of wound and pressed polychrome cobalt and white old fancy beads is very rare. These beads are known as "Laurel Wreath" due to the pattern of white in the beads. These beads came from Venice in the late 19th century, produced for trade with the Native American Indians. These beads are a great cobalt blue with white trailing. The beads are "hand paddled", making them more a "lozenge" shape. The beads are an average 1/2" X 3/8". There are 72 beads on this necklace, which measures 42" and is strung on heavy cotton. These beads are in good condition for their age of over 200 years. Provenance: letter of appraisal from Out-West Designs, L. W. Dinneen, dated January 15, 1999, with a value of $400.