Lot 33
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A striking earring, now wearable as a pendant, comprised of an over 23-karat gold hoop adorned by a spiraling gold wire and a pair of beads - a discoid bead of lapis lazuli and a teardrop shaped bead of emerald. Though gold was the most highly valued metal, emeralds were one of the most valued stones in antiquity. They were prized not only for their rich green color and connections to fertility, but also for their perceived healing properties. According to Pliny the Elder, Roman jewelers would often sooth their strained eyes by looking at or through emeralds while they worked. Similarly, lapis enjoyed great popularity in the late Roman and Early Byzantine periods as its rich purple-blue color was associated with royalty. Size of earring: 1.2" L x 0.6" W (3 cm x 1.5 cm); of emerald bead: 0.1" L x 0.3" W x 0.4" H (0.3 cm x 0.8 cm x 1 cm); of custom display box: 1.75" L x 0.6" W x 1.75" H (4.4 cm x 1.5 cm x 4.4 cm); gold quality: 96.38% (over 23 karats); weight: 2.5 grams
A stunning ornament, steeped in historical and iconographic significance, while simultaneously boasting all the opulence of the Roman Empire!
The Romans were known for their love of gemstones, especially emeralds and pearls. The precious materials used to manufacture this earring originated from different far-flung regions of the ancient world. While gold was mined in a number of Roman provinces (mainly Britain, Spain, Dalmatia and Dacia), emeralds, lapis lazuli, and pearls were imported from the East.
Before Alexanders Eastern conquests in the late fourth century B.C.E., precious stones were not widely available in the Greek world. Greek jewelers prized themselves on their mastery of metalworking and used precious stones only sparingly. An important change in the design of ancient jewelry takes place, however, in the Roman period. Instead of elaborate patterns in gold, the new designs feature larger, brighter gemstones in simpler settings that contribute to a less finished appearance. Here we see the effects of this shift firsthand: while the earrings are certainly striking, their beauty derives from the combination of precious materials and the presence of large emeralds and lapis lazuli.
Provenance: private Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Nemesis Ancients and Antiquities
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#184197
- Condition: Some light bending to form and minor nicks to stones, but otherwise intact, excellent, and wearable as a pendant.
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