Roman Gold Pendant with a Garnet

£ 550.00

A finely modelled Ancient Roman gold pendant, modelled from a thin layer of gold formed into a triangular shape. The centre features a beautiful oval cabochon garnet inset framed by a ring of delicate gold granules. The pendant is further enriched with three round-shaped knobs, each presented with a granulation cluster to the top and enclosed with a band of granules. Such pendant has been adapted from an earring in ancient times, with the suspension loop modelled from ancient gold. The reverse eppears flat and unworked.

Date: Circa 1st-3rd century AD
Condition: Fine. Suitable for modern wear with care.

SOLD

SKU: LD-177 Category: Tag:

As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used, such as garnet. In Antiquity, garnet was very popular due to its deep colouration and for the meaning that was attributed to it. In Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Hades gave pomegranate seeds to his lover Persephone, as a token of safety, while she was leaving the underworld to join her mother Demeter in the human world. The semi-precious stone, recalling the colour and the shape of the pomegranate seed, became a typical gift exchanged between separated lovers.

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

Weight 2.2 g
Dimensions W 2 x H 2.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Semi-Precious Stones