Burmese Beads

Burmese beads include Pumteks (which means 'buried thunderbolt') and Pyu period beads (800 BCE - 200 CE), as well as some more contemporary items.

Pumtek were made from opalized palmwood about 1500-2000 years ago and etched in various distinctive patterns. As with dZi beads, no one is sure of the exact process by which the beads were etched. Collectors look for unusual patterns and good contrast. Newer 'Pums' are from the beginning of this century when the supply of the ancient beads fell behind the demand. These copies were made from petrified or 'silcated' (but not opalized) palm wood, and are also collected. These are a good way to start a collection before jumping into the older (more expensive) Pumteks.

Pyu beads are generally made of some type of agate such as carnelian. The striped 'Military Beads' are said to have represented rank during that period, and are prized when the red color is deep and translucent. Of the Pyu animal beads, elephants are most common and are often found in jade, carnelian, or glass. Many fakes abound in this category.

	Pyu Bead Strand (BC1021) A very nice strand of Pyu beads, from an older collection. Beads of this quality just aren't coming out any more. 26" long 1000 BCE to 100 CE ... (view details)

	Stellar Strand of Pyu Beads (BC1022) A very nice strand of Pyu beads, from an older collection. Beads of this quality just aren't coming out any more. 24" long 1000 BCE to 100 CE ... (view details)

	Pyu Bead Strand (BC1023) A very nice strand of Pyu beads, from an older collection. Beads of this quality just aren't coming out any more. 1000 BCE to 100 CE ... (view details) Our Price: $1200.00	Enter Quantity:

	Pyu Style 23k Gold Conch Bead (BC1026) These are copied from 2000 year old beads that were on the market a couple of years ago. Very sweet. Made in Burma. 17 mm x 10 mm ... (view details)

	Ancient Blue Glass Necklace from Burma (BC1027) This came from a dig site in the city of Pyawbwe, Burma. These beads are really amazing. It is doubtful that your monitor does justice to these! Close inspection reveals that they were lamp worked. 14 ... (view details) Our Price: $600.00	Enter Quantity:

	Large Carnelian Pyu "Military" Bead (BC1028) This extraordinary bead from the Pyu culture is almost gem quality. It is unfortunately chipped on one end, probably due to a careless shovel at the dig site. 72 mm x 10 mm 1000 BCE to 100 CE ... (view details)

	Pyu Bead, undrilled and set in 23k gold frame (BC1030) A very rare Pyu pattern. Many 'beads' like this have been found in the sites, which never got drilled. This is one such bead. It is mounted in a (new) 23k Thai frame. Two round lined Pyu beads finis ... (view details)

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1034) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. The are also some old Burmese coins attached as well. ... (view details)

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1035) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. There are enough really exceptional beads on this strand to excite the seasoned collector. ... (view details)

	New Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1037) A nice new strand of pumtek. Made in Burma the way they always have been done. his strand is about 10 years old. ... (view details) Our Price: $75.00

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1051) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. There are enough really exceptional beads on this strand to excite the seasoned collector. ... (view details)

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1054) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. There are enough really exceptional beads on this strand to excite the seasoned collector. ... (view details)

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1055) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. There are enough really exceptional beads on this strand to excite the seasoned collector. ... (view details)

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1056) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. There are enough really exceptional beads on this strand to excite the seasoned collector. ... (view details) Our Price: $650.00

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1057) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. I believe the major part of this strand is at the century mark, but there are a few older beads as well. ... (view details) Our Price: $450.00

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1058) A mixed (age) strand with some very nice beads on it. While the most interesting patterned beads on this one are certainly on the newer side, many of the rounds appear to be quite old, and the pattern ... (view details) Our Price: $300.00

	Pumtek Bead Strand (BC1059) A mixed (age) strand with few decent beads on it. ... (view details) Our Price: $250.00

	Pumtek Bead (BC1077) A very nice older pumtek bead. A nice brown and cream color. 8 mm. 1-500 CE. ... (view details) Our Price: $150.00

	Pumtek Chevron Patterned Bead (BC1078) A very nice Pumtek bead with a rare pattern. There is a small blemish on one side of this bead. Otherwise, it shows strong consistent color and pattern all the way around. 40mm. ... (view details)

	Mizoram Carnelion Strand (BC1082) 1000 BCE to 100 ... (view details) Our Price: $150.00	Enter Quantity:

	Burmese Beads w/ carnelian and crystal (BC1087) A nice simple collection of antique Burmese beads. 1000 BCE to 100 CE ... (view details)

	Burmese Beads w/ carnelian frog, crystal, carved elephants and tigers (BC1090) The frog bead is spectacular. Well carved and definitely old. The other carved animals on this strand however are new carvings on old beads. Go figure. at least they are well done. 1000 BCE to 100 C ... (view details)

	Nice Pair of Pyu Beads, UNUSUAL (BC1100) After 20 years of roaming the Asian markets I have never seen a pair like these. Unfortunately one is broken. I would not hold my breath waiting to see another, however. 60mm x 13mm 1000 BCE t ... (view details)

	Nice Old Pyu Beads Nicely strung with 23K gold (BC1106) A very nicely strung necklace made from etched and doped ancient Pyu beads. The Pyu are interspaced with 23K gold beads and finished with a 23K gold clasp. Very classy with some very nice beads. Abo ... (view details)

	Matched Pair of Pumtek Beads (BC1241) A nice matching pair of beads. These are smaller than are usually found for pumteks. These are 8 mm in diameter. 1-500 CE. ... (view details) Our Price: $225.00	Enter Quantity:

	Nice old Pumtek Bead (BC1242) Nice old Pumtek Bead w/six lines. 10 mm 1-500 CE. ... (view details) Our Price: $108.00	Enter Quantity:

	Antique Burmese Button strand, Triangle Glass, 26" (BC1245) These glass buttons are triangular and measure 15mm apex to base. Assorted colors with the majority being clear. 26" strand. ... (view details) Our Price: $360.00	Enter Quantity:

	Antique Burmese Button strand, 28" Amber Glass (BC1246) Lovely dark amber, center drilled glass buttons. They measure 14mm across the face and have a beveled faceted edge. Strand length is 28". ... (view details) Our Price: $360.00	Enter Quantity:

	Antique Burmese Button strand, assorted Pastel Glass, 26" (BC1247) This strand of buttons has pink and green pastels, as well as clear with dark blue and black centers. These are square in shape and 12.5 mm across the face. Edges of the face ar ... (view details) Our Price: $360.00	Enter Quantity:

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