Byzantine necklaces
Type:
Jewelry
Date:
Sixth to seventh century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Turkey
Medium:
Gold,
Pearl,
Gems,
Rock crystal
Description:
Early Byzantine necklaces expressed wearers' prestige (e.g., through expensive/rare materials and delicate facture) and often their Christian faith (e.g., through dangling crosses). One common feature of many Byzantine necklaces is the use of pendilia (dangling ornaments) with gemstones or shaped pendants. Some necklaces also continued an earlier Roman practice of using pendant coins as a display of wealth (seen, for instance, in mummy portraits). We also know about high-status Byzantine jewelry through imperial portraits (e.g., Theodora at San Vitale).
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
3,
4
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons, Metropolitan Museum, Walters Art Museum
