Roman Gold Necklace with Blue Glass Beads

With conical lower body and rounded shoulder, broad mouth with pinched pouring lip and thick handle to the rear. 943 grams, 24.5 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Hexagonal in plan with fastening holes, a band of cobalt blue enamelled spirals around the central aperture, interspersed with floral motifs, all enclosed within a scalloped border. 43.9 grams, 64 mm



Acquired 1980s-1990s. Private collection of H. N., Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK.

Scholars have been able to establish the extent to which the manufacture of glass for enamel production was standardised through the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries. Enamels were probably fused from primary raw materials in specific production centres, one of which has been located in the Gallo-Roman villa of Anthee, France. The decoration with its undulating tendril and pellets in contrasting enamel is influenced by La Tène design of the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.

Comprising a crescentic pendant with keeled arms, applied suspension loop. 2.42 grams, 29 mm



Acquired before 1980. Ex property of a South London collector.