Ancient Roman Green Glass Beaded Necklace

£ 75.00

A restrung Ancient Roman necklace formed from glass beads of striking green and yellow hues. The body of the necklace is made up of small disc-shaped, spherical, cylindrical and cube beads in an alternating pattern. The bead size gradually increases as they move towards the centre of the necklace and becomes symmetrical in the shape of the beads as it reaches the middle. The centrepiece consists of two larger beads separated by three smaller beads alternating between light and dark green. The first of the larger beads is a dark emerald coloured imperfect rectangular shape. The second larger and final hardstone bead in the pendant of this necklace is a similar dark emerald colour yet is unique in its shape which has four points extending out from the centre of the bead creating a star-like shape. The necklace is finished with a silver clasp (please be aware the clasp has not been professionally tied).

Date: Circa 1st - 3rd Century AD
Condition: Very fine condition. Minor wear and encrustations to the beads consistent with age. Half-length when folded circa 27cm.

In stock

SKU: CF-02 Category:

Jewellery such as this piece was an essential accessory in Ancient Roman society to demonstrate their wealth and social status through their dress and choice of accessories. Pieces constructed of gold and silver were often limited to members of the elite ruling class whilst materials such as bronze and other metals provided a cheaper alternative for lower social classes. Roman jewellery styles initially followed the trends set by the Etruscans, employing the use of gold and glass beads. As the Imperial power of the Roman Empire spread, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate. A growing variety of materials, techniques, and styles were utilised and began to be found across the expanding empire. Particularly in areas such as Greece, Egypt, North Africa and the Orient. This being said, archaeological finds of Roman jewellery are relatively rare, considering the magnitude of Roman civilisation and the historical and geographical span of the Empire

The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery. Core-formed and cast-vessels were first produced in Egypt and Mesopotamia, but only started being imported from around 500 BC onwards. The Roman glass industry developed to full maturity during the first half of the first century. This was likely due to Rome’s emergence as a political and economic strength in the Mediterranean world which attracted skilled artisans to the city, but also coincided with the invention of glass blowing.

Weight 17.5 g
Dimensions L 27 cm
Culture

Glass

Region

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