Here we have a strand of 27 rare, old and well-worn Liuli beads – complete with three very distinct and scary faces which are believed to assist in warding off evil spirits, and a myriad of unusual, crude-looking but colourful round and oblong beads.
Chinese Liuli beads are best described as a unique form of glass art that comes steeped in rich Chinese history that dates back hundreds of years.
Today they are highly sought after to collectors, and creators of ethnic-style jewellery.
They are created through a method known as lost-wax casting, using glass as the preferred medium.
The bead-making process first calls for the construction of specially designed bead molds made out of waxed models - into which hot molten glass is poured.
The hot liquid causes the wax mold to melt and drain away - and in doing so the beads are formed and created after the glass sets.
The process is very similar to that used by the Ashanti and Baoule people of West Africa, who have been creating their own bead creations using metal as opposed to glass.
The accompanying photos illustrate what to expect in your order, while some images have been enlarged to show detail.