JEWELLERY

TREASURE CASE 2011 T513: Roman Pendant

A tiny gem-set gold mount in the form of a miniature amphora, probably the bezel from a finger-ring. The circular neck, flanked by looped handles of filigree wire, has an open mouth, probably originally set with a tiny gem. The vessel's body comprises a rubbed-over box setting - with high sides, flat back and a single gold granule at its pointed base - containing a tear-shaped polished garnet with convex keeled surface. Points of former attachments are visible on both sides of the box setting, 1) at the flat back, the stub of a slender band, 2) midway up the sides, several scars and dimples consistent with the former presence of a sinuous filigree wire. The mount is very closely paralleled by the near-identical gem-set bezel of a gold finger-ring with simple reeded hoop from the River Thames at London (BM 1856,0701.801. BCB60890), which retains a dark green (probably glass) setting in the mouth of the amphora as well as beaded wire loops at the sides of the amphora body.

Date: Roman, 1st - 4th century AD.

Dimensions: height 11.9 mm; height setting 11.1 mm. Weight: 0.92 g.

Non-destructive surface metal analysis conducted at the British Museum indicated a gold content of 95-97% and silver content of 2-4%.

The gem was identified as a pyrope garnet.

In age and precious metal content the object qualifies as Treasure under the terms of the 1996 Treasure Act.

Ralph Jackson Dept. of Prehistory & Europe British Museum 20th April 2012