Description
Heading: Late medieval gold pendant 12th-13th centuries
Material: Gold with polished garnets
Period: late medieval
Date: 12th-13th centuries
Origin: Europe to Western Asiatic
Condition: VF+
Description: An extremely fine and elaborate European/Western Asiatic gold adornment. Of square form, the central stone flanked by teardrop-shaped stones at each corner, with round stones to interstices, all with raised settings with braided ropework borders. The lustrous stones feature different hues of purple and red. The reverse with two rows of pierced spheres, each end with an applied sphere. The holes on the back possibly indicate where it was sewn to a garment. A truly exceptional jewel, witnessing the mastery of late medieval goldsmiths.
Size and Weight: 25 x 19 x 7mm, 4g
Features and Provenance: Ex a TimeLine sale, formerly private family collection formed in the 1970’s.
The possession of gold and precious jewels was a status symbol during the medieval period. Only the higher ranked in society, such as royalty and the highest nobility could afford it or indeed feel safe enough to wear it. The lower ranks had to suffice with pewter or copper. Pieces of gold and silver were given additional colour by adding gems, these were polished rather than cut at this time. Devotional pieces, as well as those seen to have magical or protective value, were particularly prized.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of pattern etc present, visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of pattern etc present, but may be worn
Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible
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