ITEM: Pendant depicting a harvester MATERIAL: Silver CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 19 mm x 19 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, acquired before 1990s Roman pendants, a crucial component of ancient jewelry, reflected a shift in taste from the Greek emphasis on intricate goldwork to a preference for vibrant color and mass-produced affordability. While the wealthy elite wore elaborate pendants crafted from gold, silver, and imported precious stones like emeralds, garnets, and pearls, the lower classes utilized more common materials such as bronze, glass, bone, and jet. Roman artisans pioneered the skillful use of colored glass to simulate costly gems, a technique that made elaborate necklaces and pendants accessible to a broader population. This focus on color and ornamentation, facilitated by Rome's vast trade network, set Roman jewelry apart and allowed pendants to serve as versatile adornments across all social strata. Beyond mere fashion, Roman pendants frequently held deep symbolic and amuletic significance, functioning as a form of social and religious communication. For adults, pendants were often powerful status symbols: the most prestigious featured set gemstones, intricate cameos, or coins (medallions) bearing the likeness of the reigning Emperor, linking the wearer to imperial power. Crucially, pendants served as protective charms, known as amuleta. The most distinct example is the bulla, a locket traditionally given to male children at birth and worn until they reached manhood, which was believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. Other common protective motifs included the fascinus (phallic charm) and various religious figures or symbols of good fortune. The diverse designs found on Roman pendants reflect the society's complex belief system and hierarchy. Motifs ranged from depictions of deities like Venus and Mars for blessings in love and war, to abstract symbols such as the crescent moon (lunula), which was popular among women and children for protection. The use of elaborate pendants was particularly pronounced on necklaces, which men and women of both high and low status wore. For women, these pieces were a crucial way to display their family's wealth, as jewelry was often considered their personal, independently held property. Ultimately, a Roman pendant was more than an accessory; it was a visible declaration of the wearer's wealth, piety, and social standing within the structured life of the Empire. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.