This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass techniques used by the ancients. Venetian beads were soon traded throughout the world, and were especially prized in Africa, where they assumed the stature of currency. In this remarkable jewel, the soft, earthy tones of the glass blend perfectly with the mottled richness of the stone. Such a necklace might have adorned the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra or a tribal chief. The person who wears it today is certain to feel like royalty themselves.