ROMAN PERIOD, CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

Both bracelets are formed from a stout, hollow tube bent into a hoop. One has separately-made ribbed terminals soldered in place, while the other has grooves cut directly onto the ends of the hoop. Both have loops soldered to the ends, which are hinged to an oval box bezel, closed at one end with a removable pin. Centered within each bezel is a conical glass gem imitating the natural layers of sardonyx. Related pairs are known from throughout the Roman Empire, but many have been found in Egypt. For a discussion of the type, see J. Ogden, Gold Jewellery in Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine Egypt, pp. 242-244 and figs. 475-478.