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REFERENCE: RJ2309

A rare Roman Emerald Bead Pendant, ca. 1st - 3rd century CE

Sale price1,950 USD

This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

Early Roman authors consistently referred to emeralds as having come from the ancient emerald mines of Egypt, located near Sikait, about halfway between Luxor on the Nile River and Roman-era port city of Berenike on the Red Sea. The emerald crystals (typically opaque to translucent) were coveted and traded as far as the Mediterranean, the Near East, and India during antiquity, often used in their natural form or slightly polished, as can be seen in this example. This lovely, semi-opaque example, utilizes the natural six-sided crystal form and has been drilled in antiquity for wearing.

Condition: This is a rough cut semi-opaque emerald with inclusions and color variations - it is not like the emeralds we know today, but still very cool! Overall in very good condition, it has been restrung on an adjustable 18-inch chain of 18K yellow gold.

Dimensions: Bead length: 10 mm (0.4 inch). Strung on an adjustable 18-inch 18K white gold chain

Provenance: Stuart Giles (1951-1993) private collection acquired in London between 1978 and 1982, then by family descent.

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A rare Roman Emerald Bead Pendant, ca. 1st - 3rd century CE
A rare Roman Emerald Bead Pendant, ca. 1st - 3rd century CE Sale price1,950 USD