Roman and Other Glass Necklace Bead Collection

Modelled in the half round with winged head; hollow reverse. 17.6 grams, 31 mm



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.

With D-section shank, ellipsoid stepped bezel, inset sardonyx intaglio dolphin. 5.60 grams, 23.61 mm overall, 20.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11859-206976.

The dolphin motif is associated with the god Neptune.

Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.