A fine Ancient Roman pendant in the form of a miniature juglet, modelled from black glass. The juglet stands on a slightly rounded base, from which its globular body raises and forms a short cylindrical neck, terminating in a small mouth with a thick rim. A handle has been applied to the body and drawn up to the rim. Earthy encrustations across the surface, and minor wear consistent with age. The handle has two small circular chips. The piece has been repaired at the neck and possibly the handle. Miniature items such as these were often used as charms for necklaces, bracelets and earrings. As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing the quantity of production to be increased, whilst its price be reduced. It also allowed a new flexibility and artistic freedom, with glass now becoming a decorative luxury to rival pottery. It was this novel mass production of the material in imperial Rome that prompted the development of glass jewellery, though its valuable properties today derive in large part from the ageing process. Measurements (circa): H 2.1cm x W 1.7cm Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.