Classical Revival Gold Necklace With Roman Hardstone Intaglios And Cameos.

A Classical revival gold necklace set with twenty Roman hardstone intaglios and cameos.

The necklace dates to the mid 19th century, the intaglios and cameos date to the 1st - 3rd century AD.

The high carat gold necklace is composed of a patchwork of rub-over set ancient gems separated by vari-coloured links in the form of coiled serpents, each bearing three flowers.

The necklace measures 51cm in length.

The smallest stone measures 0.7 x 0.6cm and the largest stone measures 2.2 x 1.5cm.

The necklace weighs 45.4 grams.

The gems depict (counter clockwise); 

1. Amethyst intaglio : eagle and man, 
2. Carnelian intaglio: crab, 
3. Three-layered agate intaglio: portrait of Serapis, 
4. Carnelian intaglio: Gryllos, 
5. Carnelian intaglio Fortuna-Tyche, 
6. Carnelian intaglio: Athena, 
7. Three-layered agate intaglio: sea-goat with stars, 
8. Carnelian intaglio: Fortuna-Tyche encrowned by Mercury, 
9. Nicolo intaglio: double portrait of Isis and Serapis, 
10. Heliotrope intaglio: mummiformed Osiris, 
11. Three-layered cameo: Osiris canopic jar (crown missing), 
12. Two-layered agate cameo: panther, 
13. Carnelian intaglio: Victory and armour, 
14. Bloodstone intaglio: bust of Ceres, 
15. Carnelian intaglio: Dioscures, 
16. Green chalcedony intaglio: Bacchus with panther, 
17. Banded agate intaglio: seated warrior, 
18. Garnet intaglio: griffin, 
19. Carnelian intaglio: crouched dog, 
20. Three-layered agate intaglio: head of boy. 

Provenance: 

Collection of a French jeweller, purchased in the 1970’s. 

English private collection, purchased in the 1990’s.