A GREEK GOLD STRAP NECKLACE

CIRCA 330-300 B.C.

Details

A GREEK GOLD STRAP NECKLACE
Circa 330-300 B.C.
Composed of lengths of two loop-in-loop chains, interspersed every two links by hollow plain spheres alternating with granulated ones, the spheres framed on either side by joined disk-shaped beads each formed from two rings of spiral-twisted wire divided by a sheet strip adorned with granulation, a small loop attached to thirty-four of the disk beads, to which is attached a circular shield fringed with two rows of granulation, and large amphora-shaped pendants with pointed bases formed of graduated hollow spheres, each amphora with granulation along the voluted handles and on the body, the two chains with curving box-constructed terminals with pointed ends, the upper surface divided into two zones, one filled with large and small diamonds of granulation, and one filled with a frog, the end with a drop-shaped dome, all framed with filigree plain wire and granulation, the underside of each end with a projecting loop of plain wire
15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm) long

Provenance

European Private Collection, acquired circa 1940

Lot Essay

The strap necklace developed from earlier types during the second half of the 4th century B.C., and continued in popularity for at least two centuries. The pendants that are suspended along the length take the form of beechnuts, seeds, and amphorae, and there is an infinite variety not only of the pendants themselves, but also the chains from which they are suspended. According to Hoffmann (Hoffmann and Davidson, Greek Gold, Jewelry from the Age of Alexander, p. 5), an inventory list describing the treasures in the temple of Artemis on the island of Delos describes just such a necklace strung with amphorae pendants. The frogs on the terminals of the present necklace are unusual. For the use of frogs in jewelry see the gold ring in the British Museum, no. 154 in Williams and Ogden, Greek Gold, Jewellery of the Classical World.

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