Greek Jewellery
Byzantine Jewellery
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In Byzantine jewellery gold and silver, enamel, pearls, precious and semi- precious stones coexist, invariably attuned with exquisite beauty and finesse to priceless and presumptuous works, reflecting nobility and grace. Ihe extravagant joy of colours, the wealth and variety of costly materials that constitute, with roots from the East, its characteristic qualities, beautify its refined form with inspirational clarity and celebrate it with expressive longevity. Combining different techniques, Byzantine goldsmiths chased noble metals, carved semi-precious stones - jasper, sardonyx, lapis lazuli, agates and rock crystal - applied with unique mastery champleve and cloisonne enamel, and set pearls, gems and polychrome glass, to create alluring works of an that capture the divine light and radiate delight. The desire for luxury and splendid colourful effects distinguished their work with good taste, wisdom and prudence. |
| Fig. 3 Athens, Byzantine Museum. Gold earrings from Tigani in the Mani. Their lower part is decorated with a circle encompassing a filigree cross and framed by three granulated bunches of grapes. Diameter 4.8cm. 5th-6th centuries. |
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| Fig. 4 Pair of gold bracelets, perhaps from Cyprus, 6th century AD. Byzantine broad bracelets with perforated disc and circular hoop decorated with the theme of the 'horn of Amalthea' (cornucopia). Athens, Benaki Museum, inv.nos 1835-1836. |