This pendant will feature a genuine hand-blown glass bead, crafted nearly two millennia ago at the height of the Roman Empire. Its surface shimmers with natural iridescence, a rainbow patina created as minerals interacted with the buried glass over centuries. The bead will be secured in a custom prong setting—silver or 18k gold—to allow full visibility of its form and delicate surface. A chain is included (silver standard; gold upgrade available).
The History
Roman artisans perfected the art of glassblowing in the 1st century AD, producing colorful and intricate adornments prized throughout the empire. Beads like this were luxury ornaments and symbols of status, traded from Britain to the Near East.
Over centuries of burial, their surfaces absorbed minerals from the soil, creating a luminous iridescence that shifts with the light. Today this shimmering patina is valued as the truest sign of age and authenticity. To wear such a piece is to carry a fragment of Roman daily life, reborn as modern adornment.
Artifact Details
Type: Hand-carved lapis lazuli bead
Date: c. 300 BC
Origin: Bactria (modern Afghanistan region)
Size: ~10 mm (see images for quarter comparison)
Material: Ancient lapis lazuli with natural pyrite inclusions
Condition: Excellent for age; stable with ancient wear
Setting: To be made-to-order (choice of sterling silver or gold, prong setting)
Free insured U.S. shipping, worldwide shipping available
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
Custom Order – Bactrian Lapis Lazuli Bead
18k Gold / Prong
$450.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
