The Donor Necklace

This is a detail image from a difficult-to-find portrait, here reproduced by the gracious Jacqueline Herald in her book, Dress in Renaissance Italy 1400-1500. The pearl necklace is pretty easy to understand, but the one above it, the dark beaded necklace, is more difficult to ascertain. As best I can see, it is a choker whose clasp might just be that clasped-hand finding in the center front. It also might close in the back. It is made of small, dark beads, probably of glass but possibly of semiprecious gems like garnets. Certainly it'd have been expensive to make in gemstones.

The clasped-hand front finding proved impossible to find. Though very similar to the "claddagh" style Irish hands, the closest I could get was a general spacer. I've made inquiries to some metal casters to ask about getting the spacer made. Till then I have to just get close.

Materials used:
small rocaille beads, copper-colored
#1 size black beading string
1 gold 3-string spacer for the front
1 gold 3-string tab-style closure