PENDANT

TREASURE CASE 2012 T862:

Description: A gold composite object, possibly a handle or base from a pomander (?). The suspension loop, made of wire of circular cross section, is set into a large boss, that has been soldered onto the on the top of the object. The suspension loop has been threaded through to the reverse where is it split so as to stay in place. The cast and slightly convex body of the main component begins with a flat raised border at the base of the boss and from this are eight triangular shaped settings with peaked sides and set with ruby coloured stones, eight in total. Radiating out from these in between the points of the last settings and slightly larger are a further eight triangular shaped settings and within these are eight slightly larger ruby coloured stones. Around the edges it is possible to see that there may have been further elements for attachment, however these are now broken.

On the reverse it is possible to see the casting marks and the application of sheet metal in patch form, now cut away. The boss is hollow and on the reverse a black material that remains in the boss.

Dimensions:

Width: 15.31mm

Height: 6.28mm

Weight: 1.7g

Discussion:

This could be a mount for a Gum Benzoin pomander, an example of which can be found in the collections at the BritishMuseum (Registration number AF.2863) dated to c. 1600. Or it could be part of a stopper or plug for a scent bottle, an example for which can be found in the British Museums collections (Registration number OA.4853). Both were fashionable between the 1580's-1600's.

The combination of high carat gold and deep set rubies (?) might suggest a non-European origin, for example, Goa of Sri Lanka.

Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Janina Parol

Assistant Treasure Registrar

The BritishMuseum

Dora Thornton

Curator of Renaissance Europe

The BritishMuseum