Description
Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as this one. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.
Exhibitions
Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1979-1980.
Provenance
Henry Walters, New York [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by inheritance; Joseph Brummer, New York, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1941, by purchase.
Credit
Museum purchase [formerly part of the Walters Collection], 1941