Ancient Greek Gold and Pale Amethyst Pendant

£ 675.00

A fine ancient Greek gold pendant enriched with a pale amethyst drop. The pendant is comprised of a gold cylindrical cap with a conical top, encasing the upper section of a large drop-shaped amethyst stone. A thin gold pin runs through the centre of the semi-precious stone, securing it in place. A small loop with a further hoop has been added to the top for suspension.

Date: Circa 3rd - 2nd Century BC
Condition: Fine condition.

SOLD

SKU: CY-124 Category:

As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth and richness. In Ancient Greek culture jewellery was worn in everyday life but was also buried with the deceased as part of his or her funerary outfit. Jewellery might have been enriched by precious and semi-precious stones and decorative motives would have included popular myths, gods, goddesses, and heroes.

The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek, ‘amethystos‘, meaning “not intoxicated” (‘ἀ- a-, “not” and μεθύσκω ‘methysko‘ / μεθύω ‘methyo’, “intoxicate”). The gemstone was widely used for jewellery production across ancient civilisation and regarded as an indicator of wealth and social status.

To discover more on ancient metalwork, please see our relevant blog post: Decorative  Metalwork Techniques

To discover more about gemstones in Antiquity, please visit our relevant blog post: The History and Mythology of Jewellery in Antiquity.

Weight 11.62 g
Dimensions L 5.3 x W 1.4 cm
Culture

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

Region

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