Amber beads with thoroughly processed surface and incised decoration are observed in a number of Danube burials of the 5th century A.D. They emerged in D1-D2 period (Kiskundorozsma, Grebieten), and are especially characteristic of D2-D2/D3 periods (Laa, Smolin, Vranya). The beads disappeared during D3 period (Gáva in particular).

Beads of the kind are met with in women burials in necklaces, numbering 1 or 2 specimen. Also amber incised beads were frequently used as a part of female costume as single pendants which could be pierced by metal wire ring. In this case they were worn on a side, on a waist-band, or near the knee.

Amber beads of this type are typical of rich Danubian burials (Smolin, Laa), but are also known from the graves of rank-and-file population of D2/D3 periods: Vranya, Ártand-Kisfarkasdomb 16, Vyskov 17, Schletz 1889.

Up to now, the centres of production of such beads are known northward from the Carpathians only. There they were produced in the workshops discovered in Southern Poland (Swilcza), and in the Western Bug basin (Basonia). Both workshops are dated to D2 period. Outside the Carpathian basin the beads in question are relatively rare. As an example I can mention the West Lithuanian cemetery of Vidgiriai.

Eastward of the Carpathians amber beads of the discussed type are known only in the North-Caucasian Pontic littoral from the cemetery of Dyurso and in Abkhazia (Chintaluk, Shapka-Tserkovny kholm 4-9, Shapka-Abghyzdrakhu 15). Those beads were found in rich women burials of the mid 5th century A.D.

The emergence of this rare kind of beads in East Pontic area is supposed to be explained by contacts with the Middle Danubian population. The Goths-Tetraxites whom the Dyurso cemetery belonged to, could receive amber beads together with prestigious East Germanic costume from the migrants (especially of noble families) from the Danube basin. The latter could accompany the Huns retiring from the Danube to the Pontic steppes (Jordanes, Getica, 269; Procopius, Bel. Goth. IV.5).

As far as Abkhazia is concerned, the elements of East Germanic female costume could reach its territory with the families of barbarian soldiers incorporated into the East Roman (Byzantine) army.