An Eastern Roman Gold and Banded Agate Pendant, Early Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE - 2nd century CE Household Goods enabling it to be worn

enabling it to be worn or suspended

The transition from shaft hole to the blade is modeled as a full-faced lion's head with prominent angular eye ridges and open jaws from which emerge a fan of stylized feathers

birds signified prestige

The applied gold band would have symbolized prestige and possibly held ritual significance

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and small age-related abrasions consistent with burial and antiquity

An Eastern Roman Gold and Banded Agate Pendant, Early Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE - 2nd century CE Household Goods enabling it to be wornThis exquisite jewel, once an ancient earring, has been sensitively adapted for wear as a pendant. Fashioned in high karat gold, it is set with a hand carved, drop shaped cabochon of banded agate, its natural strata of warm brown, cream, and black creating a striking visual effect. The stone is framed by an elaborate openwork mount composed of delicately spiraled gold wirework that forms an intricate, foliate frame, both balanced and elaborate. Below