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LOT 0852
Roman Gold Earring Pairs
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
1 5/8 - 2 in. (16.97 grams total, 42-50 mm).
Two pairs of earrings with decoratively twisted hoops, domed plaques and pyramid bulbs embellished with granule clusters; one pair with gold wire spirals to the plaques. [4]
ProvenanceAcquired between 1950-1970s.
Ex Swiss private collection.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 08.251.5, .6, for a broadly similar earring.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0852
Roman Gold Earring Pairs
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Roman Gold Ring with Amethyst Gemstone with Mercury and Bacchus
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
With stepped shoulders and ellipsoid bezel open to the underside, replaced hoop, inset amethyst intaglio depicting Mercury giving the infant Bacchus to the Nymphs; stone broken. 16.40 grams, 24.07 mm overall, 17.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
Acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. Thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12108-212230. -
Roman Bronze Face Mount
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Profile bust of a putto with swept-back hair and fleshy features; studs to the reverse. 8.21 grams, 23 mm
Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Gold Ring with Mani in Fede Gemstone for Aiax
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising a hollow-formed hoop with rounded shoulders, inset garnet intaglio with clasped hands and 'AIAX' inscription. 2.79 grams, 21.00 mm overall, 14.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)
Acquired in Europe in 1992. with Million Cornette de Saint Cyr, Hotel Regina, 12 December 2009. European private collection.
The Romanised name 'Aiax' is given to the hero Αἴας of the Trojan war, who carried off the body of Achilles and fought Hector. The subject of two clasped hands (dextrarum junctio) symbolising the fides (loyalty, trust), was very popular on Roman rings and gems. It was mainly used on marriage rings, sometimes with the equivalent Greek inscription 'OMONOIA'. Sometimes it was used in terms of military loyalty between commander and army. In this case it is most probable the name of the groom (AIAX).
