Ancient Roman-Style 22K-24K High-Purity Yellow Gold Jewelry Assembly including Polyhedral Hoop Earrings and Hammered Plaque
Jewelry Set / Archaeological Assembly including Hoop Earrings, Beaded Drops, and a Hammered Votive or Appliqué Plaque · Yellow Gold. The intense saturation indicates a minimal presence of alloying metals like silver or copper, preserving the natural warm orange-yellow tone of pure gold.
Purity: High purity estimated at 21K to 24K (87.5% - 99.9% fineness). The rich, buttery saturation of the metal suggests a near-pure alloy typical of ancient or traditional gold-smiting techniques.
Type
Jewelry Set / Archaeological Assembly including Hoop Earrings, Beaded Drops, and a Hammered Votive or Appliqué Plaque
Purity
High purity estimated at 21K to 24K (87.5% - 99.9% fineness). The rich, buttery saturation of the metal suggests a near-pure alloy typical of ancient or traditional gold-smiting techniques.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The intense saturation indicates a minimal presence of alloying metals like silver or copper, preserving the natural warm orange-yellow tone of pure gold.
Weight
Estimated total weight of 15 to 25 grams. The hoop earrings appear solid with thick rounded wires, and the pendant drops with stone beads add significant mass.
Description
An exquisite assembly of high-karat gold jewelry showcasing ancient metalworking techniques. The set features a pair of polyhedral earrings accented with green stone inlays and fine granulation, paired with articulated bead drops and a large, hand-hammered quatrefoil plaque. The ensemble reflects the 'barbaric' luxury of late antiquity, where the weight and purity of the gold were as significant as the artisanal skill.
Key Features
Polyhedral (many-sided) central beads on hoops; decorative granulation (fusing small gold spheres); use of high-karat, soft-finish gold; hand-hammered repoussé techniques on the plaque.
Color & Finish
Deep, rich golden yellow with an unrefined, hand-wrought finish. Features include hammered textures (martelé), primitive granulation, and a soft, waxy patina indicative of ancient or high-karat metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Archaeological-style jewelry of this type predates modern hallmarking systems or mimics a period where maker's marks were not standardized; any marks would likely be hand-punched internal symbols if they exist.
Dimensions Estimate
Hoop rings approximately 20-25mm in diameter; total length of bead drops approximately 35-40mm; central plaque approximately 30mm square.
Gemstones & Inlays
Includes rough-cut emerald or green glass paste cabochons set in granulation-style bezels on the hoops. The drops feature weathered stone beads, possibly agate, glass, or oxidized silver beads with significant mineral encrustation.
Clasp & Closure
Simple hook-and-eye or open-wire closure system. The hoops utilize a 'slip-through' wire design while the drops utilize integrated gold wire loops typical of Roman jewelry construction.
Chain & Links
Hand-forged gold wire links. The construction is irregular and hand-articulated, showing organic loop-in-loop or simple wire wrap techniques rather than machine uniformity.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-fabricated. The granulation shows varying degrees of precision, and the plaque was likely shaped over a wooden or lead form. The wire work is hand-drawn and demonstrates traditional forging skills.
Authentication Indicators
The deep color and high-density appearance are consistent with high-karat gold. Hand-tool marks and irregular granulation are diagnostic of non-industrial production. Red flag: The 'leboncoin' watermark suggests a peer-to-peer listing where provenance is difficult to verify without XRF testing.
Origin & Maker
Likely Mediterranean or Near Eastern origin. If authentic antiquities, they are likely from a Roman provincial workshop; if revival, potentially Italian (e.g., Castellani style) or high-end artisanal craft.
Era & Period
Roman or Byzantium Revival style. While it mimics items from the 1st to 4th Century AD, the preservation suggests it may be a high-quality 19th-century 'Archaeological Revival' piece or a modern artisanal reconstruction.
Age Estimate
Stylistically represents 1,600+ years of age (Ancient); physical condition suggests potentially a 19th-century revival (circa 1860-1890) or contemporary high-purity replica.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition from classical Greek refinement to the bolder, more textured aesthetic of the late Roman and early Byzantine empires, emphasizing the raw material's inherent power and solar symbolism.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. Heavy oxidation and mineral buildup are visible on the spherical beads of the drops. The gold components show soft edges and surface scratches consistent with burial or long-term handling. One stone inlay appears missing or heavily weathered.
Value Estimate
As 'scrap' gold, the melt value would be significant (~$900 - $1,500 based on weight); however, as a collectible set, it could fetch between $3,000 and $7,000 at a specialty auction or gallery depending on confirmed age.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners due to the porous/unknown nature of the green stones and bead encrustation. Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Store in a padded environment to prevent the soft high-karat gold from deforming.
Similar Items
Byzantine gold earrings, Victorian Archaeological Revival jewelry, or high-end contemporary 22K 'Ancient Style' jewelry by designers like Gurhan or Lalaounis.
Interesting Facts
In Ancient Rome, gold jewelry was a strictly regulated status symbol. The 'polyhedral' earring style was extremely popular in the Eastern Mediterranean and often signaled the wealth of the merchant class.