Byzantium, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A breathtaking Byzantine gold, emerald, and pearl necklace. Comprised of 19 gold (93% gold, equivalent to 22K+ ) medallion-like beads of circular forms housing openwork filigree curvilinear motifs and granules alternating with 9 ovoid emerald beads, 9 freshwater pearls, and gold findings. This necklace was recently exhibited in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (see below). Curator Sarah E. Cox presented them in the "Dressed to Impress" section of this exhibition. Size: 22.5" L (57.2 cm); gold beads .625" in diameter (1.6 cm); emerald beads .25" L (0.6 cm); largest pearl beads .25" L (0.6 cm); total weight: 18.6 g; Gold quality: 93%, equivalent to 22K+.
Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 9, p. 8, discussed on p. 3). According to Dr. Cox, "All classes of women in the ancient world wore jewelry, which was considered both as adornment and as visible evidence of wealth. Many of the surviving pieces, particularly earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, were preserved because they were buried with the deceased. Others were accidentally lost in baths or toilets, or due to the vicissitudes of nature and war."
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 9, p. 8, discussed on p. 3); ex-Madame Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s
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#146273
Condition
Minor indentations to gold openwork beads but forms are still attractive. Emerald and pearl beads are excellent. Goldwork has developed a nice warm patina. Beautiful and wearable.