Sometimes the unplanned experiences turn out to be the most memorable. I am a planner, so these kinds of adventures do not often occur. During a trip to Israel, I decided to stroll by myself around the area called Jaffa near the center of Tel Aviv. The streets are narrow, winding with cobblestones. I spotted a small shop with artifacts piled high in the small window. The door was open, so I stepped inside. The owner sat in his wheelchair with an attendant standing nearby. I looked around and saw many small ancient artifacts. I was especially attracted to the Roman glass pieces. I asked to see more. He pulled out a shoe box filled with Roman glass beads and other broken fragments. Instantly, designs came to mind. I was overwhelmed by the many beads and two pieces that appeared to be the bottom of glass bottles. He had no prices, so we finally settled on an amount that was agreeable to both of us. After leaving the shop, I felt that my unplanned stroll reaped a terrific reward. When I returned home, I immediately began to create the design. The beads dictated the design for a necklace. I began to carve hard green wax for the clasp bead caps, and additional design elements. I cast everything in 22 karat gold. Once all the pieces were cast, I began to assemble the beads, centerpiece of glass, and other gold pieces. Because I kept all the glass pieces in their natural state, the beads move a bit and do not lay perfectly flat. I appreciate that these ancient beads control the way the necklace was created, how it looks, and how it is worn. We do not know their age, origin, or use of the elements, so the mystery continues.