Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the  More »

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the last native Persian Kingdom to rule Ancient Iran before the Islamic conquest. The Sassanid era was a golden age of Persian culture that witnessed the revival of Zoroastrianism, an ancient mystical religion native to these lands, and a literary Renaissance spurred by the translation of many Old Persian epics recorded in cuneiform into the Middle Persian language of Pahlavi written in an alphabet derived from Aramaic. By introducing heightened international trade and commerce they created a legacy of political and economic diplomacy. They sponsored trade with the Romans (later on the Byzantines), their archenemy, to the west and the Chinese to the east. Excavations in China have unearthed gold and silver Sassanid coins covering a span of many centuries until the demise of the Empire during the reign of Khosrow II. However, the fall of the Empire had already started with a series of wars waged under the rule of Khosrow I, the father of Khosrow II. Challenged by the intensification of the same international commerce that had bore such wealth, struggles for national power and international prestige had escalated to an ungovernable degree. In the face of threats to his royal house, Khosrow II embarked upon military campaigns that would prove unsuccessful. By the close of his reign, the once mighty Sassanid Empire came to an end, paving the way for the rise of Islam in the Middle East. The inherent splendor of the precious metals is allowed to shine in this gorgeous pendant. The hues of the silver and the gold naturally complement each other. In this pendant, the present and the past combine. The classic, reserved form of the modern gold settings enhances the timeless beauty and majesty of the ancient coin. To wear this pendant is to reconnect with the past while simultaneously exhibiting style and elegance that is both contemporary and timeless. - (FJ.7077)   « Less

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the  More »

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the last native Persian Kingdom to rule Ancient Iran before the Islamic conquest. The Sassanid era was a golden age of Persian culture that witnessed the revival of Zoroastrianism, an ancient mystical religion native to these lands, and a literary Renaissance spurred by the translation of many Old Persian epics recorded in cuneiform into the Middle Persian language of Pahlavi written in an alphabet derived from Aramaic. By introducing heightened international trade and commerce they created a legacy of political and economic diplomacy. They sponsored trade with the Romans (later on the Byzantines), their archenemy, to the west and the Chinese to the east. Excavations in China have unearthed gold and silver Sassanid coins covering a span of many centuries until the demise of the Empire during the reign of Khosrow II. However, the fall of the Empire had already started with a series of wars waged under the rule of Khosrow I, the father of Khosrow II. Challenged by the intensification of the same international commerce that had bore such wealth, struggles for national power and international prestige had escalated to an ungovernable degree. In the face of threats to his royal house, Khosrow II embarked upon military campaigns that would prove unsuccessful. By the close of his reign, the once mighty Sassanid Empire came to an end, paving the way for the rise of Islam in the Middle East.   « Less

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the  More »

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the last native Persian Kingdom to rule Ancient Iran before the Islamic conquest. The Sassanid era was a golden age of Persian culture that witnessed the revival of Zoroastrianism, an ancient mystical religion native to these lands, and a literary Renaissance spurred by the translation of many Old Persian epics recorded in cuneiform into the Middle Persian language of Pahlavi written in an alphabet derived from Aramaic. By introducing heightened international trade and commerce they created a legacy of political and economic diplomacy. They sponsored trade with the Romans (later on the Byzantines), their archenemy, to the west and the Chinese to the east. Excavations in China have unearthed gold and silver Sassanid coins covering a span of many centuries until the demise of the Empire during the reign of Khosrow II. However, the fall of the Empire had already started with a series of wars waged under the rule of Khosrow I, the father of Khosrow II. Challenged by the intensification of the same international commerce that had bore such wealth, struggles for national power and international prestige had escalated to an ungovernable degree. In the face of threats to his royal house, Khosrow II embarked upon military campaigns that would prove unsuccessful. By the close of his reign, the once mighty Sassanid Empire came to an end, paving the way for the rise of Islam in the Middle East.The inherent splendor of the precious metals is allowed to shine in this gorgeous pendant. The hues of the silver and the gold naturally complement each other. In this pendant, the present and the past combine. The classic, reserved form of the modern gold settings enhances the timeless beauty and majesty of the ancient coin. To wear this pendant is to reconnect with the past while simultaneously exhibiting style and elegance that is both contemporary and timeless. - (FJ.7080)   « Less

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold n 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the  More »

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold n 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the last native Persian Kingdom to rule Ancient Iran before the Islamic conquest. The Sassanid era was a golden age of Persian culture that witnessed the revival of Zoroastrianism, an ancient mystical religion native to these lands, and a literary Renaissance spurred by the translation of many Old Persian epics recorded in cuneiform into the Middle Persian language of Pahlavi written in an alphabet derived from Aramaic. By introducing heightened international trade and commerce they created a legacy of political and economic diplomacy. They sponsored trade with the Romans (later on the Byzantines), their archenemy, to the west and the Chinese to the east. Excavations in China have unearthed gold and silver Sassanid coins covering a span of many centuries until the demise of the Empire during the reign of Khosrow II. However, the fall of the Empire had already started with a series of wars waged under the rule of Khosrow I, the father of Khosrow II. Challenged by the intensification of the same international commerce that had bore such wealth, struggles for national power and international prestige had escalated to an ungovernable degree. In the face of threats to his royal house, Khosrow II embarked upon military campaigns that would prove unsuccessful. By the close of his reign, the once mighty Sassanid Empire came to an end, paving the way for the rise of Islam in the Middle East.The inherent splendor of the precious metals is allowed to shine in this gorgeous pendant. The hues of the silver and the gold naturally complement each other. In this pendant, the present and the past combine. The classic, reserved form of the modern gold settings enhances the timeless beauty and majesty of the ancient coin. To wear this pendant is to reconnect with the past while simultaneously exhibiting style and elegance that is both contemporary and timeless. - (FJ.7082)   « Less

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the  More »

Origin: Iran Circa: 591 AD to 628 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Sassanid Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold In 244 A.D., Ardeshir I founded the Sassanid Dynasty, the last native Persian Kingdom to rule Ancient Iran before the Islamic conquest. The Sassanid era was a golden age of Persian culture that witnessed the revival of Zoroastrianism, an ancient mystical religion native to these lands, and a literary Renaissance spurred by the translation of many Old Persian epics recorded in cuneiform into the Middle Persian language of Pahlavi written in an alphabet derived from Aramaic. By introducing heightened international trade and commerce they created a legacy of political and economic diplomacy. They sponsored trade with the Romans (later on the Byzantines), their archenemy, to the west and the Chinese to the east. Excavations in China have unearthed gold and silver Sassanid coins covering a span of many centuries until the demise of the Empire during the reign of Khosrow II. However, the fall of the Empire had already started with a series of wars waged under the rule of Khosrow I, the father of Khosrow II. Challenged by the intensification of the same international commerce that had bore such wealth, struggles for national power and international prestige had escalated to an ungovernable degree. In the face of threats to his royal house, Khosrow II embarked upon military campaigns that would prove unsuccessful. By the close of his reign, the once mighty Sassanid Empire came to an end, paving the way for the rise of Islam in the Middle East. The inherent splendor of the precious metals is allowed to shine in this gorgeous pendant. The hues of the silver and the gold naturally complement each other. In this pendant, the present and the past combine. The classic, reserved form of the modern gold settings enhances the timeless beauty and majesty of the ancient coin. To wear this pendant is to reconnect with the past while simultaneously exhibiting style and elegance that is both contemporary and timeless. - (FJ.7078b)   « Less

Origin: Syria Circa: 8 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Umayyad Dynasty Medium: Silver and Gold The early history of Islam following the death of the Prophet  More »

Origin: Syria Circa: 8 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Umayyad Dynasty Medium: Silver and Gold The early history of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad can be characterized by glorious wars and victories on the one hand and by jealousy, intrigue, and deceit on the other. When the Umayyad Dynasty ruled in splendor from their capital at Damascus, a coin such as this would have been recognized and traded throughout their expanding empire. The rulers of the Umayyad Dynasty, beginning with the founder, Mu'awiyah, claimed a blood relationship with the Prophet via his sister, Umm Habibah, and his Abu-Sufyan, the leader of the Meccan Quraysh. As the Islam spread across North Africa and into Europe, political rivalry began to emerge between the Caliphs. These family feuds would culminate in 749 A.D. when the entire Umayyad clan was murdered, save for abd-al- Rahman, who fled to Spain and founded an independent Umayyad Caliphate there. In part, this division between opposing Muslim factions of Shi’ite and the Sunni continue to this day. Overall, the period of the Umayyad Dynasty can be characterized by a love of luxury. Great palaces were erected in the capital of Damascus. It is noted that the Caliphs Yazi I and II were "passionate friends of sport, music and lady singers." This ancient silver dirham is a historical testament to the birth of the Islam. Furthermore, set inside a gorgeous 18 Karat gold pendant, it reflects the luxury and wealth of the Umayyad Dynasty. - (FJ.6993)   « Less

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 128 BC to 127 BC Collection: Jewelry Style: Phoenician Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold The obverse of this coin depicts the  More »

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 128 BC to 127 BC Collection: Jewelry Style: Phoenician Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold The obverse of this coin depicts the personification of the Phoenician city Aradus. Aradus, modern Arwad, is an islet and town North of Tripoli, two miles of the Syrian coast. In antiquity, it was the most important Northern center of the Phoenician Empire. The reverse of the coin displays a representation of Nike, the Goddess of Victory along with an inscription. The great Phoenician Empire is memorialized in this stunning pendant. The silver coin radiates a luminous glow that is complemented by the lustrous gold setting. No doubt the wealthy Phoenician merchants who sailed the seas in search of treasures would have prized this luxurious pendant themselves. While wearing this pendant, we are reminded of another time and the civilizations that have come before us. Although it harkens back to another age, this pendant appears remarkably contemporary and stylish. While civilizations rise and fall, certain symbols of wealth and elegance are enduring and never go out of fashion. - (FJ.6997)   « Less

Origin: Middle East Circa: 749 AD to 1258 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Islamic Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold The Abbasid Dynasty was an Arab family legendarily  More »

Origin: Middle East Circa: 749 AD to 1258 AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Islamic Coin Pendant Medium: Silver and Gold The Abbasid Dynasty was an Arab family legendarily descended from Abbas, the uncle of Muhammad. The Abbasids held the caliphate from 749 to 1258. Under the Umayyad caliphs the Abbasids lived quietly until they became involved in numerous disputes, beginning early in the 8th cent. The family then joined with the Shiite faction in opposing the Umayyads, and in 747 the gifted Abu Muslim united most of the empire in revolt against the Umayyads. The head of the Abbasid family became caliph as Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah late in 749. Under the second Abbasid caliph, called al-Mansur, the capital was moved from Damascus to Baghdad, and Persian influence grew strong in the empire. The early years of Abbasid rule were brilliant, rising to true splendor under Harun al-Rashid and to intellectual brilliance under his son al-Mamun. After less than a hundred years of rule, however, the slow decline of the Abbasids began. Long periods of disorder were marked by assassinations, depositions, control by Turkish soldiers, and other disturbances. In 836 the capital was transferred to Samarra, remaining there until 892. Under the later Abbasids, the power of the caliphate became chiefly spiritual. Many independent kingdoms sprang up, and the empire split into autonomous units. The Seljuk Turks came to hold the real power at Baghdad. Later their power dwindled even further, and, in 1258, Baghdad was burned by the Tatars. From then until 1517 the Abbasids retained limited power as caliphs of Egypt.The gold of the pendant and the silver of the coin complement each other. Together, the two hues merge into a lustrous splendor of precious metals. This ancient silver coin is a historical testament to the flowering of the Islam. To wear this ring is to reconnect with the brilliance of the early Abbasid dynasty in all its glory. - (FJ.6995)   « Less

Origin: Jerusalem Circa: 11 th Century AD Weight: 4.1 Grams Collection: Coin Jewelry Style: Crusader Medium: Bronze, Gold Condition: Very Fine Additional Information:  More »

Origin: Jerusalem Circa: 11 th Century AD Weight: 4.1 Grams Collection: Coin Jewelry Style: Crusader Medium: Bronze, Gold Condition: Very Fine Additional Information: The gold mount is modern.   « Less

Origin: Egypt Circa: 909 AD to 1171 AD Collection: Numismatics Style: Coin Pendant Medium: Gold At the height of their power, the Fatimid Caliphate ruled much of the  More »

Origin: Egypt Circa: 909 AD to 1171 AD Collection: Numismatics Style: Coin Pendant Medium: Gold At the height of their power, the Fatimid Caliphate ruled much of the Islamic world, including North Africa, the Hejaz, and the Eastern Mediterranean, from their capital in Cairo. However, their roots can be traced to the shores of Ifriqiya in modern day Tunisia and eastern Algeria where in 909 A.D. an imam from the Ismaili sect of the Shia branch of Islam declared himself caliph and adopted the name of al-Mahdi (the Divinely Guided One). Directly opposing the power of the Sunni Abbasids, the Fatimids legitimized their claim to authority by tracing their descent to Muhammad by way of his daughter Fatima (hence the name Fatimid) and her husband Ali, the first Shia imam. Soon after their founding, the Fatimids began to expand outwards, swiftly bringing all of the Maghreb under their dominion. Thereafter, the Fatimids set their sights to the East where the Abbasids centers of power lay. After numerous campaigns launched under multiple caliphs, the Nile Valley was finally conquered in 969, opening up the Middle East to their armies. The city of Cairo was founded as a new capital. Opulent mosques and centers of learning including al-Azhar University were constructed, as Cairo quickly became the spiritual center for Ismaili Shia. The arts flourished during the Fatimid era, specifically rock-crystal carvings that became treasured by the Caliphs themselves and throughout the Mediterranean world. In their ultimate pursuit of usurping Abbasid power, the Fatimids eventually extended their control throughout the Red Sea and the Hejaz (including the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina), thereby opening up direct sea routes with India and effectively diluting Abbasid trade with these foreign markets. The middle of the 11th century marked the height of Fatimid power in the East, when a dissident general in Iraq switched side and declared his allegiance to the Fatimids. Yet this turn of events was brief as Seljuk Turks soon regained control of Baghdad, marking the beginning of the decline of the Fatimid Dynasty. A combination of local opposition by the largely Sunni populations they ruled and outside attacks by Byzantines, Turks, and Crusader armies of Europe would ultimately prove lethal as the once extensive reach of the Fatimid Caliphate was eventually reduced to Egypt itself. By the time the last of a series of ineffective caliphs passed away in 1171, the vizier Salah al-Din had become the real master of Egypt and the Fatimid Caliphate was formally abolished. - (CK.0577)   « Less