Vintage Chinese Carved Melon Bead Stone Necklace

This is a vintage Chinese necklace from the mid-20th century. Each bead is carved by hand into a melon shape with lobes.

The beads are about 16 to 18mm across. No two are cut exactly alike. They are strung on teal cord, knotted by hand. The necklace closes with a simple tie. It has no clasp and no hardware. It is about 26 inches long.

The color is olive and gold, and it shifts with the light. The stone feels cold and dense. It feels heavy in the hand. It is believed to be jade. The condition is mint.