In Ancient Roman society, jewellery was an essential accessory, providing the wearer with a public display of their wealth, social status, and identity. Gold and silver pieces were worn by the wealthier members of Roman society, while bronze and other metals provided a cheaper alternative for lower social classes. Roman jewellery at first followed the trends set by the Etruscans, employing the use of gold and glass beads. As the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate, utilising the many different materials, techniques, and styles found across the expanding empire, particularly from Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and the Orient. Earrings are known as one of the first forms of jewellery, found adorning both men and women as early as the Bronze Age. Pliny the Elder attested to the popularity of earrings, with pearl earrings being especially popular among women.
To find out more about different metal decorative techniques please see our relevant blog post: Decorative Metalwork Techniques
