Medieval Jewellery – Gold and Garnet Pendant c5th Century

Description

Header: Early Medieval Jewellery Western Asiatic, Gold (Electrum) and Garnet Pendant, c5th Century

Material: Gold (electrum) with polished garnets

Period: Early medieval

Date: c5th century, maybe earlier

Origin: Western Asiatic

Condition: VF, with suspension loop

Description: An exquisite little lozenge-shaped plaque of electrum with applied ropework and two raised cells with filigree loops to the edges, set with  polished garnet cabochons; and a suspension loop to top. wearable.

Size and Weight: 19.46mm. 1.83g 

Features and Provenance: The property of a local collector

Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, the more gold present the more yellow it is. The possession of gold and precious jewels was a status symbol during the medieval period and it remains so today to a lesser degree. Only the upper echelons in society were able to 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 believed to have magical or protective properties 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