HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.

The necklace is composed of a length of loop-in-loop chain with each end joined to a capped cylindrical glass bead with a bull's head terminal, one with a loop in its mouth, the other with a conforming hook. Threaded onto the chain is a crescentic pendant embellished with elaborate ornament, including a complex rosette fronting the suspension loop. The front of the crescent is centered by filigree ornament in the form of a palmette flanked by spiraling tendrils, enclosed within a border of plain, beaded and rope wires. At each tip is a rosette supporting an inverted granulated pyramid.

For a necklace with related bull's head terminals, see no. 1973 in F.H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum.