Ancient-Jewellery

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Roman Gold & Nicolo Paste Intaglio Pendant of Jupiter

SOLD

Code: 10429



This is an ancient Roman gold and glass pendant, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. This jewel was discovered with a metal detector in Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire, alongside the Watlingstreet to Towcester. It was recorded as  BUC-CE48C1.  

The intaglio is cast in blue-black glass, imitation of a costly and valuable Nicolo (Arabian Onyx) gemstone. The gold pendant would have enabled the gem to be worn as a protective amulet, ideal for traveling and commerce. The intaglio depicts Jupiter (Zeus) enthroned, holding a scepter. A parallel for the intaglio can be found in Henig 2007, no. 10.

Henig, M., 2007. A Corpus of Roman Engraved Gemstones from British Sites: With a New Preface and Bibliography. United Kingdom: British Archaeological Reports.

OBJECT: Intaglio pendant

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Glass

SIZE: 14.62 mm x 11.03 mm x 5.46 mm 

WEIGHT: 1.83 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. private collection, Hertfordshire, originally found at Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire