{"title":"Ancient Artifacts","description":"\u003cp\u003eA curated collection of unique jewelry pieces created with ancient Roman and Viking artifacts.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"medieval-cross-pendant","title":"Medieval Cross Amulet (700-1100 AD) - Unisex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eMiddle Ages Europe - Byzantine Cross\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e c 700 - 1100 Common Era (A.D.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAuthentic\u003c\/em\u003e bronze amulet cross with 4 raised lobes and central square element with small X,  hanging from solid 14k gold bail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_text gs_mdr gsqna_renderText16\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_p\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\" class=\"gs_tkn\"\u003eThe medieval period, or Middle Ages, spans roughly from the 5th to the 15th century (c. 476–1500 CE) in European history, positioned between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance.  It was an era defined by feudalism, a deeply religious society, and rural, agricultural life which saw the rise of castles, knights, and major shifts in political power.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_p\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\" class=\"gs_tkn\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_p\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\" class=\"gs_tkn\"\u003eThe Byzantine style is characterized by the fusion of antique and Eastern elements evident in the extensive use of embossed work and filigree. These pendants served as personal amulets of protection, faith and were high-status symbols for early Christians.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_p\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\" class=\"gs_tkn\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_p\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\" class=\"gs_tkn\"\u003eThe art of bronze casting was revived in the 800s by \u003cstrong\u003eKing Charlemagne\u003c\/strong\u003e, who commissioned monumental bronze portals for his residence in Aachen, Germany (a must see).  This revival continued with the Pantaleone family's doors in southern Italy, and the Dinant workshops that became a main center for bronze casting in the Middle Ages.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs_p\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\" class=\"gs_tkn\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eAuthentic collector's item - unisex\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- Amulet size:  15mm x 23mm (about 3\/4\" x 1\" inch)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- Handcrafted 14k gold ring bails \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- Nice olive-green patina \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eArrives with Certificate of Authentication, i\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003en micro-suede pouch with gift box and polishing cloth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e*Chain not included; contact me for chain or leather cord options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach Ionia pendant is thoughtfully curated from reputable artifact collectors to create one-of-a-kind pieces that can be proudly worn and cherished for many millennia to come.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ionia Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48472147296513,"sku":null,"price":711.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7918\/7457\/files\/DSC_6824_3.jpg?v=1776302987"},{"product_id":"medieval-cross-amulet-100-ad","title":"Roman Bronze Protective Amulet (c 100 AD) - Unisex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e c 100-300 Common Era (A.D.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eRoman bronze fertility pendant\u003c\/strong\u003e is made from a solid cast drop surmounted by a suspension loop. The spherical form is slightly irregular, reflecting ancient casting methods rather than mechanical symmetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amulet carries strong symbolic meaning in Roman visual language. Spheres and rounded drops were associated with\u003cstrong\u003e fertility, abundance, generative power, and protection\u003c\/strong\u003e of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a \u003cstrong\u003e\"desert patina\"\u003c\/strong\u003e that is composed of a mix of soil and the corrosion products of the bronze itself which have \"glued\" the sediment over centuries of burial.  Collectors often prize a smooth, intact desert patina because it indicates that the coin has not been harshly cleaned. While sometimes it can be removed with long-term soaking in distilled water, the patina is usually left as a mark of \u003cstrong\u003eauthenticity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch pendants were worn suspended from necklaces or clothing and believed to guard\u003cstrong\u003e the wearer against misfortune\u003c\/strong\u003e and often worn by women, but \u003cstrong\u003ealso by men as general protective charms\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples are found at the British Museum, the Metropolitan, and Musee d'Archeologie Nationale.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eAuthentic collector's item\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- Amulet size:  15mm x 8mm (about 5\/8\" x 1\/4\" inch)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- 14k bail with hammered texture, ~5mm round\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eArrives i\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003en micro-suede pouch, gift box and polishing cloth with certification of authenticity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e*Chain not included; feel free to use the contact form on this site for chain or leather options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach Ionia pendant is thoughtfully procured from reputable artifact collectors to create one-of-a-kind pieces that can be proudly worn for millennia to come. The gold elements are hand fabricated to create a unique, original piece.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ionia Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48501765701889,"sku":null,"price":372.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7918\/7457\/files\/DSC_6904.jpg?v=1776294295"},{"product_id":"roman-bronze-protective-amulet-c-100-ad-unisex-copy","title":"Roman Bronze Fertility Amulet (c 100 AD) - Unisex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eRoman Artifact\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003ec 100-300 Common Era (A.D.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eRoman bronze fertility pendant\u003c\/strong\u003e is made from a solid cast drop surmounted by a suspension loop. The spherical form is slightly irregular, reflecting ancient casting methods rather than mechanical symmetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amulet carries strong symbolic meaning in Roman visual language. Spheres and rounded drops were associated with\u003cstrong\u003e fertility, abundance, generative power, and protection\u003c\/strong\u003e of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a \u003cstrong\u003e\"desert patina\"\u003c\/strong\u003e that is composed of a mix of soil and the corrosion products of the bronze itself which have \"glued\" the sediment over centuries of burial.  Collectors often prize a smooth, intact desert patina because it indicates that the coin has not been harshly cleaned. While sometimes it can be removed with long-term soaking in distilled water, the patina is usually left as a mark of \u003cstrong\u003eauthenticity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch pendants were worn suspended from necklaces or clothing and believed to guard\u003cstrong\u003e the wearer against misfortune\u003c\/strong\u003e and often worn by women, but \u003cstrong\u003ealso by men as general protective charms\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples are found at the British Museum, the Metropolitan, and Musee d'Archeologie Nationale.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eAuthentic collector's item\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- Amulet size:  15mm x 8mm (about 5\/8\" x 1\/4\" inch)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- 14k bail with hammered texture, ~5mm round\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eArrives i\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003en micro-suede pouch, gift box and polishing cloth with certification of authenticity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e*Chain not included; feel free to use the contact form on this site for chain or leather options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach Ionia pendant is thoughtfully procured from reputable artifact collectors to create one-of-a-kind pieces that can be proudly worn for millennia to come. The gold elements are hand fabricated to create a unique, original piece.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ionia Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48569674793217,"sku":null,"price":435.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7918\/7457\/files\/DSC_6896.jpg?v=1776301841"},{"product_id":"medieval-cross-amulet-700-1100-ad-unisex-copy","title":"Viking Protection Amulet (11th c AD) - Unisex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eViking-Era Bronze Amulet \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e 11th c CE (A.D.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic bronze artifact found on the outskirts of Kyiv, on the bank of the \u003cstrong\u003eDnieper River \u003c\/strong\u003e— a historically known Viking settlement area in today's Ukraine. Thought to have belonged to an ancient warrior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Viking era bronze cross is a significant part of the Viking cultural history.  The cross functioned as a \u003cstrong\u003eprotective symbol, representing the four cardinal directions and the structure of the cosmos. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe frame of the cross may be interpreted as a boundary of the universe, \u003cstrong\u003eassociated with balance and order.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pendants were worn by Vikings as personal amulets and \u003cstrong\u003esymbols of faith,\u003c\/strong\u003e reflecting the early spread of Christianity in Scandinavia. The bronze cross pendant is an example of the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance of Viking jewelry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessionally cleaned and preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCross size: 2 x 3 cm (about 7\/8\" x 1 1\/8\" inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandcrafted 14k gold ring bail with hammered texture ~5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArrives in micro-suede pouch and gift box with polishing cloth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Chain not included; contact me for chain or leather options via this site  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach Ionia pendant is thoughtfully curated from reputable artifact collectors to create one-of-a-kind pieces that can be proudly worn and cherished for many millennia to come. The gold components are hand fabricated, one at a time.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ionia Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48570255638785,"sku":null,"price":572.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7918\/7457\/files\/DSC_6890.jpg?v=1776298783"},{"product_id":"roman-incense-amulet-unisex-c-100-300-ad","title":"Roman Incense Amulet (c 100 - 300 AD) - Unisex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eRoman Protective Incense Amulet - Europe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e c 100-300 Common Era (A.D.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn authentic Roman \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003esilver\u003c\/span\u003e incense pendant, formed as a hollow teardrop-shaped vessel with an integrated suspension loop. Pendants of this type were designed to contain \u003cstrong\u003eincense, aromatics, or protective substances\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing scent or smoke to escape through small openings or seams when worn or heated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunctioned both as personal adornment and their \u003cstrong\u003earomatic qualities, apotropaic protection, and religious significance\u003c\/strong\u003e, often associated with household cult practice, healing, or personal devotion in the Roman world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe silver alloy, construction method, wear patterns, and mineralized surface are consistent with excavated Roman incense pendants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired from an old European source. \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eAuthentic collector's item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- Amulet size:  15mm x 8mm (about 5\/8\" x 1\/4\" inch)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e- 14k bail with hammered texture, ~5mm round\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003eArrives i\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003en micro-suede pouch, gift box and polishing cloth, with certification of authenticity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 105, 105);\"\u003e*Chain not included; contact me for chain or leather options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe gold elements are hand fabricated to create a unique, original piece.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ionia Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48570626638081,"sku":null,"price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7918\/7457\/files\/DSC_6892.jpg?v=1776300387"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7918\/7457\/collections\/DSC_7001.jpg?v=1776801798","url":"https:\/\/ioniajewelry.com\/collections\/artifacts.oembed","provider":"Ionia Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}