Byzantine Gold Emerald Jewelled Bracelet, 5th-8th Century AD
A flat-section gold band with median openwork section depicting facing pairs of doves flanking a vessel with foliage; the center a later substantial square frame with scrolled wire fill, cross and five cells with cabochon garnets and central emerald. 52 grams, 59mm (2 ¼")
Byzantine jewelry was a full continuation of the Roman traditions and where techniques and styles continued to form the foundation of Byzantine goldsmith’s skills. Production in the old jewelry centers of Alexandria and Antioch gave way to an increased production in Constantinople.
In the Byzantine Empire jewelry played an important role. It acted as a way to express ones status and as a diplomatic tool. The Byzantine Empire was wealthy and successful traders, military officers and high officials in the empire’s administration would all have been in the position to afford luxurious jewelry.
Just like in Roman times gemstones were extremely popular and the display of gems became more important than the surrounding gold-work. Precious stones came mainly from the East. Flourishing trading contacts with India and Persia brought vast amounts of garnets, emeralds, corundum and pearls to Constantinople.
