Details

LOT 0182

Sarmatian Gold Bracelet with Gemstones

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

2 5/8 in. (27.26 grams, 67 mm wide).

A gold bracelet composed of a D-section hoop terminating in corrugated sleeves, the oval setting hinged to the looped ends; one hinge permanently secured, while the other can be opened by removing a pin, allowing the bracelet to be sprung and slipped over the wrist; one side adorned with a teardrop-shaped garnet, the other set with a teardrop-shaped green glass stone in a raised cell; the box setting holding a composition stone held in place by a serrated flange, bordered by strip-twist and herringbone wiring.

Provenance

Ex private Swiss collection, 1980s.
Accompanied by an archaeological report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 22902.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11510-196383.

Literature

Cf. Vernier, É., Catalogue Général des Antiquités Égyptiennes du Musee du Caire, Bijoux et orfèvreries, Le Caire, 1907, pls.XII-XIII; Ogden, J.M., Gold Jewellery in Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine Egypt, II Volumes, Durham, 1990, pp.223ff.

Footnotes

The bracelet has much in common with earlier Hellenistic forms and also demonstrates one of the earliest forms of 'safety clasp'. The composition of the gold is in keeping with Sarmatian gold jewellery.

CONDITION