Greek and Roman Jewelry

Greek and Roman jewelry is richly ornamented and attractive. Even though we can see necklaces, rings or earrings mostly in museums it is always good to search inspiration in antique cultures.






Artists of the Minoan civilization who lived in the territory belonging to the Trojans and Cretans created earrings, bracelets and necklaces in a similar way as Greek artists. A standard product was made of thin coil linked by wires or a wrap that was shaped into flower petals and rosettes. Gold appliqué designs were used as accessories and what may sound interesting - setting products with stones was very rare. Natural patterns such as stars or butterflies attracted lots of attention. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens exhibits ancient jewelry for the publicity while collectors and connoisseurs can get numerous models of golden discs with a whole inside which were used to ornament clothing. When time passed, newer eras show models inspired by Egyptian and Assyrian jewelry. Even though the procedure of creating jewelry remained the same they were all created on the basis of embossed circles. A necklace from Rhodes (made of seven rectangular plates) is considered to be well-known example of this era. During the classical period jewelry makers resigned from old methods and discovered innovative techniques. One of the basic method used for production of jewelry pieces included embroidery with a silver or gold thread. This means, style became more subtle and delicate. Trends of that time show loop earrings ornamented with flowers or rosettes and necklaces decorated with flowery motifs. During the Hellenistic period artists concentrated on widening color palette and setting their products with stones, especially garnets. This kind of artistic pattern was adapted by the Romans. Arrows and brooches in the shape of safety pins were extremely popular. People used to wear rings on all of their ten fingers. The end of the Roman Empire brought about the change in trends - necklaces and bracelets from 'coins' creating sophisticated patterns became popular.