This charming amulet was fashioned in repoussé style when the Roman Empire was at its height. It depicts a human head, perhaps that of a goddess or a muse, surrounded by a  More »

This charming amulet was fashioned in repoussé style when the Roman Empire was at its height. It depicts a human head, perhaps that of a goddess or a muse, surrounded by a wreath of floral design. What function did it serve? Was it a souvenir from a cult site? Or, was it a talisman to protect the wearer from harm or disease? Maybe a decorative spangle on the veil of a dancing girl? - (FJ.0081)   « Less

Origin: Houran, Syria Circa: 200 BC to 300 AD Collection: Classical Antiquities Style: Roman Medium: Gold

Origin: Houran, Syria Circa: 200 BC to 300 AD Collection: Classical Antiquities Style: Roman Medium: Gold   « Less

Crested and be-tusked, the elegant head of a wild boar has been shaped in radiant gold. A favorite hunting quarry in antiquity, this animal may allude to the mythic  More »

Crested and be-tusked, the elegant head of a wild boar has been shaped in radiant gold. A favorite hunting quarry in antiquity, this animal may allude to the mythic Caledonian boar, brought down by the huntress Atlanta. From this small but exquisite clue, we can imagine the splendor of the original necklace. Perhaps it was the treasured jewel of a woman, beautiful and independent, which identified with the fabled Atlanta, who competed with men and triumphed. Whatever its history, there is no denying the classical elegance of this finial, as appealing today as when Rome ruled the world. - (FJ.0133)   « Less

Though sculpted on a miniature scale, this exquisite pendant captures the timeless strength and power of the bull. Since the dawn of civilization, this might animal was  More »

Though sculpted on a miniature scale, this exquisite pendant captures the timeless strength and power of the bull. Since the dawn of civilization, this might animal was worshiped as a God, and offered as the ultimate gift to gain the favor of a deity. This little gold amulet may have been worn as a religious symbol, perhaps by a follower to the Egyptian Apis cult. After the passage of centuries, its exact meaning has been lost, even as its elegant beauty continues to work its powerful spell. - (FJ.0444)   « Less

As perfect as when it was first worn centuries ago, this gorgeous ring is perhaps the only clue to a vanished life. On our hands, it shines as brightly as upon those of its  More »

As perfect as when it was first worn centuries ago, this gorgeous ring is perhaps the only clue to a vanished life. On our hands, it shines as brightly as upon those of its original owner, yet its glow has been enhanced, made magical, by time. We cannot help but wonder where it has been, what adventures it has seen. In that mysterious past lays the secret of the ring's power-- it takes the imagination on a fabulous never-ending journey, for those sensitive enough to follow. - (FJ.1818)   « Less

Centuries ago, during the flower of the Classical age, some unknown person wore this charming little ring as a talisman against harm. That the ring is beautiful as well only  More »

Centuries ago, during the flower of the Classical age, some unknown person wore this charming little ring as a talisman against harm. That the ring is beautiful as well only adds to its appeal. That ancient life has vanished into the mists of time, as have the glories of anitquity, yet the simple loveliness of this jewel continues to enchant us. Surely its power to protect its wearer has not lessened with the ages. - (FJ.2976)   « Less

Since earliest antiquity, the snake was regarded as the ultimate protection against evil. The royal crown of Egypt was decorated with the sacred cobra Uraeus, the Greek  More »

Since earliest antiquity, the snake was regarded as the ultimate protection against evil. The royal crown of Egypt was decorated with the sacred cobra Uraeus, the Greek physician's caduceus has two entwined snakes, and the serpent motif appears frequently in the jewelry of the Classical age. This exquisite little ring depicts two snakes (acutally a single double-headed animal) facing in opposite directions. The person who wore it centuries ago must have been very lucky indeed, kept doubly safe by the ever-vigilant gaze of these two benign reptiles. - (FJ.2977)   « Less

For millennia, the eye agate has been worn to guard against evil. Such amulets have been discovered in the tombs of ancient kings and still are commonly worn in the  More »

For millennia, the eye agate has been worn to guard against evil. Such amulets have been discovered in the tombs of ancient kings and still are commonly worn in the Mediterranean region today. During the flower of the Classical age, some unknown person wore this delicate gold ring set with a lucky talisman. We do not know if the ring's magic protected them from harm, but it clearly brought beauty to the hand that it adorned. - (FJ.2978)   « Less

The caduceus staff and moneybag held by this robust fellow identify him as Mercury, messenger of the gods, patron of commerce, travel, and gambling. When the Roman Empire was  More »

The caduceus staff and moneybag held by this robust fellow identify him as Mercury, messenger of the gods, patron of commerce, travel, and gambling. When the Roman Empire was at its height, this ring was probably worn by someone seeking the benevolent blessings of Mercury in his daily affairs. Perhaps it adorned the hand of a merchant who voyaged throughout the empire on business. It may have sealed closed the boxes and jars of a manufacturing house. Perhaps a gambler wore it on the hand that threw the dice. As we slip it onto our own finger today, we are connected in an intimate way with the vanished life of its ancient owner, and with the world in which he lived. - (FJ.4234)   « Less

In ancient times seals were an important element in everyday life, taking the place of modern signatures and keys. Wax was used to seal documents; while clay was placed on  More »

In ancient times seals were an important element in everyday life, taking the place of modern signatures and keys. Wax was used to seal documents; while clay was placed on doors and rims of wine jars to be impressed with the owner's seal. In this sense, the ring-seal was a very personal item, and often bore an emblem with a special significance. This very handsome ring depicts a bird with a tail, crest and neck feathers similar to a gamecock. Its head is lowered and one foot is lifted as if striding forward with determination. Holding this ring makes one’s imagination fly back to ancient times, and the many uses it served. The personal nature of this ring is even more special considering its ancient origin, destined to be very special to its new owner of the modern era. - (FJ.6112)   « Less