Touch the ancient world – own a piece of history – but remember it belongs to all humanity
Touch the ancient world – own a piece of history – but remember it belongs to all humanity
The necklace consists of glass beads and small cast silver rings with diamond cross section.
The beads between the long tubular elements are core-formed, with visible sand and clay inclusions. This group includes one triangular bead decorated with three spiral eyes and six melon-shaped beads with ribbed bodies.
The light-coloured (white) beads and the long tubular beads are not core-formed and show no evidence of a sand/clay core. Suspended below are 69 silver rings arranged in groups of two and four, forming a garland-like pendant.
All beads are restrung in modern times. Minor chipping is present; the large blue bead is broken and reassembled. Length: 80-85cm.
Provenance: Formerly Antiken-Kabinett; thereafter in a Sheikh Al-Thani collection; Apollo Art Auctions, 7 December 2025, lot 1629.
Translation from: ANTIQUITIES CABINET
Art and craftsmanship of earlier periods
Expertise:
List No.: 02343
Greek Necklace
6th century BC
Length approx. 80–85 cm
Findspot: Campania
Provenance: private collection, undated
Materials: Ivory, glass, silver
The necklace consists of beads and small cast silver rings. At the top are 33 round beige beads, 31 of which are ivory and two of glass. These are followed by two approximately 4 cm long honey-coloured tubular beads. On each side there is a group of six flat glass beads, changing in tones from light green through anthracite to aubergine. This group of six is repeated once more further down near the pendant. Three ribbed biconical beads lead to the center of the chain. Here a dark blue bead with three applied white glass trails predominates, together with a large blue bead measuring 2.7 cm in diameter. Suspended below are 69 silver rings, arranged in groups of two and four, forming a garland-like pendant.
All beads are perforated and restrung in modern times.
Minor chipping present; the large blue bead is broken and reassembled. Otherwise, this rare piece of jewellery is intact and of attractive quality.
The authenticity is guaranteed.