Gold Necklace with Amethysts, Glass, and Gold Beads

6th–7th century

Not on view

Using gold wires, Byzantine goldsmiths worked the delicate filigree clasp on each of these necklaces. The Greeks wore amethyst, a violet colored quartz found in jewelry across the ancient world, as an amulet to protect against the effects of wine and poison and to keep them from harm in battle.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Gold Necklace with Amethysts, Glass, and Gold Beads
Date: 6th–7th century
Culture: Byzantine
Medium: Gold, amethyst, (colored glass or rock crystal and emerald) beads
Dimensions: Overall: 17 9/16 x 9/16 x 1/4 in. (44.6 x 1.4 x 0.6 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Gold
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.190.1652
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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