Gold Necklace with Amethysts, Glass, and Gold Beads

Unknown

6th–7th century · Gold, amethyst, (colored glass or rock crystal and emerald) beads · Medieval Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–7th century

Medium

Gold, amethyst, (colored glass or rock crystal and emerald) beads

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917