Antique Rosary with Lampwork Beads!

Here is something you don't see every day.



While seeing these wonderful old 1800s rosaries from Europe is not all that unusual (I see one every few months) seeing one that is both, in this nice condition and with lampwork beads like this is a really rare treat. I love glass beads of all sorts so this was exciting for me.

Modern technology has allowed lampworked beads to become very complicated, but in the past they were quite simple and this is a classic example of lampwork – the combination of two colors of glass, all done by hand. This rosary must have a very interesting story to tell.

Aside from the amazing beads is a brass crucifix with inlaid ebony and a very ornate society medal. It says: "Erant omnes perseverantes unanimiter in oratione" which is Latin for (roughly) "We're all steadfastly united of one mind upon prayer"