Roman Green Glass Bead Collection

Flat discoid plaque inscribed in Greek capitals 'CΟΛΟ/ΜѠΝ/ΛΕΓΕΙ/ΦΥΛАΞ' (Σολομων λεγει φυλαξ = Salomon says [to be] the guardian). 6.25 grams, 25.20 mm overall, 20.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



From the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000.

Comprising a matching pair of earrings, each composed of a hollow crescentic body tapering to slender coiled wire terminals, a suspension loop to each shoulder, large tear-shaped cell to front with granulated border, set with a polished garnet cabochon, gold bulbs below in the form of a bunch of grapes, adorned with smaller granules and three cells set with polished garnet cabochons; the necklace elements comprising graduated beads, alternating between roughly spherical polished garnets and sheet-gold beads of various types including gusseted, biconical and tubular, two floral filigree pendants flanking a central pendant ornamented with 'plaited' and plain filigree wire with granules to the outside, finial of trefoil bulbs, central corrugated cell set with a polished garnet cabochon; mounted on a custom-made perspex display base. 435 grams total, display stand: 30 x 23.5 cm (earrings: 38 mm each)



Ex private European collection, 1970s. with Genève Enchères, 14 December 2017, Lot 999. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11584-199015.

Beryls, used as small pendants, and not placed horizontally, characterised Roman necklaces of 2nd century A.D. A typical example is the necklace found in the grave of Crepereia Tryphaena. The contents of the grave are dated to the Antonine age based on the sarcophagus, the inscription, and the hairstyle of the doll it contains.

Squat stone block, oblate in profile with studs and rings to the upper face, iron handle with hooked ends. 856 grams, 99 mm



Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.