Menu
EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBByzantine 20K+ Gold & Emerald Necklace, ex-Christie's
Lot 79
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Categories
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$40,000 - $60,000
Absentee vs Live bid
Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Feb 13, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-02-13 10:00:00
2020-02-13 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-4848
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (411)
- Lot Description
Ancient Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. An absolute showstopper, this 20K gold and emerald Byzantine necklace is comprised of 13 cell-work links that present a triangular form with 10 circular cells that are set with beautiful emeralds (130 emeralds + 13 emeralds below = 143 emeralds). Below each of these is a piriform gold element joined to a wire that is threaded through an oblong emerald bead with links hinged via dome-topped gold pins that are threaded through loops and splayed at their termini. At the ends are conical terminals with a hook-and-loop closure. High quality gold and precious stone jewelry from the Byzantine era like this example is exceedingly rare. A stunning and wearable work of art! Size: 14.5" L (36.8 cm); larges drop emerald measures .5" L x .375" W (1.3 cm x 1 cm); triangular emerald cells measure .7" W x .625" H (1.8 cm x 1.6 cm); weight: 63.9 grams; gold quality: 88%, equivalent to 20K+
Interestingly, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian established laws (later called the Justinian Code) that among other things regulated the wearing of jewelry. He stated that sapphires, pearls, and emeralds were reserved for the emperor (suggesting that this piece belonged to a royal). However, every free man was actually entitled to wear a gold ring. This suggests widespread popularity of jewelry. After all, such a law would not have been necessary if jewelry had been a strictly aristocratic luxury. Indeed, wealth abounded in the Byzantine Empire. There were gold mines within its borders, and its geographical location was ideal for trade between the East and the West. HOWEVER, given Justinian's laws, this necklace, comprised of 143 emeralds and so much precious 20k gold, was clearly intended for royalty.
This necklace sold at Christie's New York for $40,000 (5 December 2012, lot 448).
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; Christie's New York, Sale 2770, 5 December 2012, Lot 448; ex private Munich collection, 1994
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#149954One gold element on the back of a triangular cell was replaced; when one turns the necklace over, one can see that one gold element is a tad smoother and slightly lighter in color; however, all the others are original. Minute abrasions/trace losses to a few of the original gold cell backings. A few minor indentations to the original gold sheet conical terminals, primarily on the versos. A few minor surface scuffs/nicks to the circular emeralds in the cells, and some stones have been replaced and polished, but it is difficult to distinguish these from the others. Minute scuffs and surface deposits to drop emeralds. Placed in attractive shadow box. The gold has developed a beautiful warm patina over the ages. Trace deposits on gold, especially the conical terminals, and some stones. Overall, this necklace is remarkably well preserved and wearable!Condition
- Shipping Info
-
All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.
-
- Buyer's Premium
