Necklace of Jadeite Beads

In some regions of Central America jade was more highly prized than gold or silver. The deeper and more brilliant the colour, the more valuable was the jade.Strings of beads like this may look rather plain and simple but when used en masse, as was often the case, they could produce a striking effect. A typical noble for example might have both a necklace and a shoulder collar made out of jade beads. Longer strings of beads were wrapped several times around the wrists to produce a cuff-like effect. Add to this jade tubes in the hair, a jade head band and several jade finger rings and you can imagine the effect.