Beschreibung:

BYZANTINE GOLD EMERALD JEWELLED BRACELET 5th-8th century AD A flat-section gold band with median openwork section depicting facing pairs of doves flanking a vessel with foliage; the centre a later substantial square frame with scrolled wire fill, cross and five cells with cabochon garnets and central emerald. 52 grams, 59mm (2 1/4"). Condition Very fine condition. Provenance From an old British private collection; formed between 1975 and 1985. Accompanied by X-ray Fluorescence certificate 00888-2017BJ. Footnotes Byzantine jewellery was a full continuation of the Roman traditions and where techniques and styles continued to form the foundation of Byzantine goldsmith's skills. Production in the old jewellery centres of Alexandria and Antioch gave way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Byzantine Empire jewellery played an important role. It acted as a way to express ones status and as a diplomatic tool. The Byzantine Empire was wealthy and successful traders, military officers and high officials in the empire's administration would all have been in the position to afford luxurious jewellery. Just like in Roman times gemstones were extremely popular and the display of gems became more important than the surrounding gold-work. Precious stones came mainly from the East. Flourishing trading contacts with India and Persia brought vast amounts of garnets, emeralds, corundum and pearls to Constantinople.