Glass, a material developed in the eastern Mediterranean region, largely came to Rome with its makers, Syrian and Judean craftsmen, many of who were slaves. Between the mid-first century B.C. and the early seventh century A.D., Roman glassmaking was influenced not only by the changing values and tastes of the Roman world, but also by historical events. Many new techniques of glassmaking were introduced along the way. Each glass vessel, in its shape and decoration, is therefore a record of the times in which it was made. This fragment of ancient glass has acquired a luminous, colorful patina over the centuries, a testament of age that only enhances its beauty. Set in this stunning 22 Karat gold pendant, this splendid work of jewelry combines materials that the Romans would have recognized as among the most precious known to man. While we might think of glass as quite ordinary today, during the Roman Empire it was as valuable as the perfumes and spices the glass vessels might have once held. This pendant reminds us of the past, while appearing stylish in the present. - (FJ.6974)

Antiquities
Ancient Jewelry