c 100-300 Common Era (A.D.)
This Roman bronze fertility pendant 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.
The amulet carries strong symbolic meaning in Roman visual language. Spheres and rounded drops were associated with fertility, abundance, generative power, and protection of the body.
It has a "desert patina" 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 authenticity.
Such pendants were worn suspended from necklaces or clothing and believed to guard the wearer against misfortune and often worn by women, but also by men as general protective charms.
Examples are found at the British Museum, the Metropolitan, and Musee d'Archeologie Nationale.
Authentic collector's item
- Amulet size: 15mm x 8mm (about 5/8" x 1/4" inch)
- 14k bail with hammered texture, ~5mm round
Arrives in micro-suede pouch, gift box and polishing cloth with certification of authenticity
*Chain not included; feel free to use the contact form on this site for chain or leather options
Each 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.
