These beads are late Ching Dynasty and depict animals from the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 animals in the over 2,000 year old Chinese zodiac calendar, each with their own special meaning. As legend goes, the Jade Emperor chose the 12 animals to serve as palace guards. The order in which they appear in the calendar is supposedly the order in which they arrived to the palace.

These beads are large (1.25 inches across) but are hollow and very light weight. Total necklace length is 18 inches. Channel your inner Iris Apfel!