Western Asiatic Gold Pendant with Carnelian and Garnet

A stunning Western Asiatic pendant formed of delicate gold. The pendant has a conical cap within which sits a faceted carnelian. The carnelian has a subtle transparency and beautiful deep orange colour with some darker inclusions near the base. The stone also has a longitudinal perforation which suggests it was a originally a bead which has been reset in this context. Some traces of a clear adhesive are visible on the inside of the gold cone. At the top of the pendant is a suspension loop. The band features incised parallel grooves as well as a small cabochon garnet attached at the front. There are some cracks and missing edges around the gold piece.

Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold, electrum and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Fine granulation, as we can see on this item, along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.

Measurements: Circa L 2. 8cm x W 1. 1cm
Weight: 3. 75g

Provenance: Ex private Japanese gentleman collection 1970-2010.