Beschreibung:

BYZANTINE GOLD CHAIN WITH AMETHYST, CRYSTAL AND PEARLS 5th-7th century AD A gold chain with polished amethyst and quartz beads with pearls between; the hook with a pelta design at the terminals. 19 grams, 30cm (11 3/4"). Very fine condition. Provenance Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1970. Literature Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a similar example, accession number: 17.190.1663. Footnotes Precious stones were an integral part of Byzantine jewellery throughout the life of Byzantine culture which saw a widespread use of gemstones not only within the Byzantine Empire itself, but also beyond its borders in the Germanic kingdoms. The Roman author Pliny mentions that amethyst prevents drunkenness, protects against spells, helps while approaching a king as a suppliant, and wards off hail and locusts. Pearls were popular throughout the Classical period and were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In the Byzantine period they were associated with the Virgin Mary due to the white colour being likened to purity.