The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery. The ageing process of glass endows Roman glass jewellery with unique qualities. For instance, contaminants manufactured into the glass, exposed to the surrounding environment over thousands of years, result in beautiful lustres and speckling, where the glass might formerly have been transparent.
The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate. Different cultural styles from Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and the Orient were all incorporated to reflect Rome’s prosperity as a dominant, conquering city.
Ancient Roman Turquoise Glass Beaded Necklace
£ 75.00
A restrung Ancient Roman Turquoise glass necklace. The body of the necklace is comprised of small spherical and ellipsoid beads, with larger tubular, spherical, and ellipsoid beads interspersed throughout. The necklace culminates at a centrepiece which is made up of six larger beads. The first is a dark blue translucent ellipsoid shaped bead, the following two, a slightly smaller pale blue ellipsoid shape, followed by a larger, dark blue, spherical bead and a small, pastel toned, spherical bead. Lastly there is a large, translucent, dark blue, octahedron shaped bead with a small bead finishing the pendant. The piece has been finished with a modern gold-plated clasp (please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied).
Half-length of necklace: 25.5 cm
Condition: Good condition. Minor wear and encrustations to beads consistent with age
SOLD
| Weight | 11.9 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 25.5 cm |
| Culture | |
| Glass | |
| Region |
