Roman Gold, Sapphire, Emerald, & Glass Bead Necklace

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. This is a stunning necklace that is comprised of gold links, glass, and precious gemstones of emeralds and sapphires! The gold is a high quality 83.68% (equivalent to 20K+) and forms the original clasp and the interlocking gold wire links for the beads. The 26 ancient beads are hues of blue and green. Included are 9 glass beads molded into disc shapes that are strung to alternate with the 15 rough cut sapphires and 2 emeralds - this cut was a popular type for precious stones in the Classical period. All are evenly dispersed along the findings that are twisted into interlocking loops. The strand resolves at a thicker wire hook and loop clasp. The overall effect is simple but eye-catching, and this example of expert Roman craftsmanship is still wearable! Size (necklace): 14" L (35.6 cm); (largest stone): 0.25" W (0.6 cm); gold quality: 83.68% (equivalent to 20K+); total weight: 6.3 grams

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#137715
Condition Report: Loss to one emerald stone, with a small fragment still attached to the gold link - but does not affect the overall presentation noticeably. Chips and nicks to other beads commensurate with age. Minor bending to chain links. Necklace is wearable with the original hook clasp.