Western Asiatic Electrum Pendant with Hard Stones

$695.04

A fine Near Eastern-Western Asiatic pendant modelled in electrum with a suspension loop to the top. The jewel features an intricate decoration comprising three coiled wires, each wrapping an amber-coloured hardstone. Further enrichments include two granules to the top. Such pendant has been adapted from an earring in ancient times, with the suspension loop modelled from ancient electrum.

Date: 1st Millennium -5th century BC
Condition: Fine. Suitable for modern wear with care.

SOLD

SKU: FP-195 Category: Tag:

Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold, electrum and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Fine granulation, as we can see on this item, along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.

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

Weight 1.9 g
Dimensions L 2.5 cm
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Metal

Region

Stone

Reference: For a similar item, see Christie’s, 13th December 2013, Auction 2771, Lot 2013

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