Lot 39
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A remarkable pair of Roman earrings comprised of 15K+ gold (72%) settings housing expertly carved sardonyx cameos. The cameos each depict a profile bust presented in half-length and each wearing a garment with drapery folds gracefully falling across the chest. The visages seem to represent a man and a woman, the female with a more slender, pointed nose as well as a more elaborate plaited coiffure; the male with a more prominent nose and somewhat shorter coiffure. Endearingly, the couple can face one another when the earrings are worn. Total weight: 3.3 grams. Gold quality: 72%, equivalent to more than 15 karat (almost 18 karat). Size: cameos measure ~ .4" L x .375" W (1 cm x 1 cm)
Ancient Roman cameos traditionally were made of a dark stone that possessed bands or layers of white throughout the composition, such as sardonyx. The layered sardonyx stone was then skillfully carved so that the figures stood out in white relief against the black or brown part of the stone. Cameos were immensely popular in ancient Rome, typically used to commemorate a deity or personage.
Provenance: ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, collected in the 1960s
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#151712
- Condition: Hooks have bent a bit but are original. Bezels present expected indentations and are a bit misshapen but still charming with warm patina. The cameos likely minute nicks to peripheries and high-pointed areas but their forms are still quite strong. Graced with earthen/mineral deposits.
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