Ancient Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 3rd to 1st century BCE. A stunning 87.26% gold (equivalent to 20K+) diadem applique with a repousse and stippled pattern, the central motif is a crown or helmet clad bust in profile - perhaps representative of a ruler or deity such as Athena. The gold sheet was hammered flat and cut with pierced thread holes on the tips for securing the piece in place. Ornamented bands made from hammered sheet gold were worn around the head from a very early period of Greek history. Such diadems were comprised of gold or silver bands, some simple and others that were stamped like this example or embellished with applied decorations. Size: 6.3" L x 1" W (16 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 87.26% (equivalent to 20K+); weight: 4.7 grams
The diadem is one of the oldest and most characteristic articles of women's jewelry that originated in the Greek world. While wreaths and coronets were worn by men as signs of social or political status, and as funerary objects, diadem were worn by women as luxurious decorative ornaments. Numerous examples in gold have been found in necropolises in southern Italy, Macedonia, and on the Black Sea coast, testifying to the great refinement of Greek jewelry-making during the Hellenistic period, and to the widespread diffusion of decorative motifs throughout the Mediterranean basin.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#175540
Condition
Creasing and bending with indentations to surface as shown. Intact without repairs. Light remains of mineral encrustations.