6th-7th century AD. A mixed group of gold and garnet appliqués comprising: a strap end with waisted body, split and scooped lower edge, inset garnet cloison, upper edge with holes for two pins; two belt studs, each a discoid gold collar with beaded wire collar to the base, inset garnet cabochon; two appliqués each a domed boss and two pelta-shaped flanges, with inset garnet cloisons and central green glass cabochon, attachment pins; a boss with beaded wire rim, attachment pins, central rosette of cells with meerschaum, turquoise and garnet inlay. See Arrhenius, B. Merovingian Garnet Jewellery, Stockholm, 1985 for discussion; and for a similar corpus, cf. Wieczorek, A. and Perin, P. Das Gold der Barbarenfursten, Damstadt, 2001. 61.20 grams total, 12-47mm (1/2 - 1 3/4"). Acquired London 1999; formerly in the collection of Mr L. Grenacs, Belgium; formed in 1975; formerly with Bonhams, New Bond Street, London, 5 October 2011, lot 307 [£40,000-£50,000], accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages; supplied with geologic report No. TL005173, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] [6]
Condition
Very fine condition, some inlays absent.