Object Notes

Greek goldwork was not limited to the production of jewelry. Gold vessels of different shapes and sizes are known from temple inventories and from actual finds. The exact purpose of other gold objects is not always clear.

Greek goldwork was not limited to the production of jewelry. Gold vessels of different shapes and sizes are known from temple inventories and from actual finds. The exact purpose of other gold objects is not always clear.

During the Hellenistic period, gold medallions of different sizes and bearing the frontal representation of a head or bust were used as pendants and dress ornaments. This medallion consists of a circular sheet of gold e

During the Hellenistic period, gold medallions of different sizes and bearing the frontal representation of a head or bust were used as pendants and dress ornaments.

During the early periods of Greek history, pins were more necessary than ornamental, as they were used to keep the draped peplos in place. As fashions changed, pins were no longer needed, and they became very rare.

Rings made from sheet gold or gold wire occur in Greek graves dating to the 10th century BCE, and there is constant evidence that simple gold bands or rings were worn as rings in the following centuries.

This ancient Greek necklace is composed of thirty-seven spool-shaped garnet beads, each threaded between the loops of a double-eight-shaped link of gold wire, alternating with thirty-nine gold beads of the same shape, threaded in the same way.

Rings made from sheet gold or gold wire occur in Greek graves dating to the 10th century BCE, and there is constant evidence that simple gold bands or rings were worn as rings in the following centuries.