Roman Black Glass Bead Necklace String

Composed of a large hoop with raised tongue-shaped plaques at the shoulders, bezel formed as the bust of goddess Selene wearing a crescentic crown; trace remains of gilding. 12.63 grams, 34.40 mm overall, 21.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surfaces decorated with engraved lines and dots. 68 grams total, 64-65 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.

Integral ellipsoid bezel, incised frond motif. 5.65 grams, 21.09 mm overall, 16.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.