A Roman gold and amethyst bead necklace, circa 1st century BC-1st century AD. Estimation: USD 5,000 - 7,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Composed of biconical amethyst beads, graduated in size, the upper section interspersed with spherical gold beads, the lower with barrel-shaped gold beads, centered by a lentoid pendant, its loop bifurcating into volutes, punctuated with granules, a cluster of granules at the base; now arranged with a modern clasp - 16¼ in. (41.3 cm.) long

PROVENANCE: with Joseph G. Gerena, New York 1999.

Christie's. Ancient Jewelry sale - Online auctions December 1 -10.