Necklace
200 BC-100 BC (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This necklace is consisting of a gold chain strung with garnet beads. Greek goldsmiths were known for their intricaly woven loop-in-loop chains made of fine wires. By the Hellenistic period (323-27 BC) colours slowly became an important aspect of Greek jewellery. To achieve colour, gold was often combined with gemstones, or glass imitations. Garnets were most popular, but emeralds, carnelian, rock crystal, agates, onyxes or lapis-lazuli were also used.
Gemstones were pierced, cut, abraded and polished like in this case, or left as a natural crystal. The Greek were renowned for their art of gem carving.
The clasp on this necklace is in the shape two gold goat's heads. Animal heads were also commonly used on earrings and on bracelet terminals.
Necklaces were generally worn tight around the neck, or in a looser fashion at the base of the neck. They were often worn in multiples, especially a necklace with simple beads like this one with one of more complex form.
Gemstones were pierced, cut, abraded and polished like in this case, or left as a natural crystal. The Greek were renowned for their art of gem carving.
The clasp on this necklace is in the shape two gold goat's heads. Animal heads were also commonly used on earrings and on bracelet terminals.
Necklaces were generally worn tight around the neck, or in a looser fashion at the base of the neck. They were often worn in multiples, especially a necklace with simple beads like this one with one of more complex form.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gold and garnet |
| Brief description | A gold chain strung with garnet beads, the clasp in the form of goat heads, Greece, about 200-100 BC |
| Physical description | Necklace. A gold loop-in-loop chain strung with garnet beads, the clasp in the form of goat heads. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Acquired from the Montague Taylor Collection |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This necklace is consisting of a gold chain strung with garnet beads. Greek goldsmiths were known for their intricaly woven loop-in-loop chains made of fine wires. By the Hellenistic period (323-27 BC) colours slowly became an important aspect of Greek jewellery. To achieve colour, gold was often combined with gemstones, or glass imitations. Garnets were most popular, but emeralds, carnelian, rock crystal, agates, onyxes or lapis-lazuli were also used. Gemstones were pierced, cut, abraded and polished like in this case, or left as a natural crystal. The Greek were renowned for their art of gem carving. The clasp on this necklace is in the shape two gold goat's heads. Animal heads were also commonly used on earrings and on bracelet terminals. Necklaces were generally worn tight around the neck, or in a looser fashion at the base of the neck. They were often worn in multiples, especially a necklace with simple beads like this one with one of more complex form. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 558-1897 |
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| Record created | April 20, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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