Artwork Page for Necklace

Details / Information for Necklace

Necklace

100s BCE

Greece

Medium
gold, moonstone, garnet, emerald, cornelian, baroque pearl, and banded agate
Measurements
Overall: 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. John L. Severance 1928.234
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The lynx heads on this necklace may reference the mythical King Lyncus of Scythia.

Description

Alternating semiprecious stones and granulated gold beads come together to form this magnificent necklace, capped with a gold clasp framed by banded agate cabochons. The pendant portion of this necklace is centered around a large translucent moonstone in a gold setting, framed by smaller garnet ovals, also set in gold. Two tiny gold lynx heads clasp the garnet settings in their mouths. Small baroque (nonspherical) pearls dangle from these central settings. The combination of multiple precious and semiprecious stones with complex goldwork suggests that this necklace was originally made in one of the Greek kingdoms in the Black Sea region.
A gold necklace features three oval gemstones at its base: a central cloudy moonstone ringed by four pearls and flanked by deep red garnets. Gold animal heads transition the piece into a circular strand of alternating green emeralds, black-and-white striped agate, white pearls, and granulated gold beads. The strand joins at the top with two teardrop-shaped banded stones and a small gold clasp.

Necklace

100s BCE

Greece

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