Many ancient Greek and Byzantine golden jewels – whose origins are unknown – are to be sold at an auction in London, on April 26 at Christie’s Auction House.
Among the priceless artifacts is the golden myrtle wreath illustrated above. The wreath, dated in the Hellenistic period (circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.), is composed of four hinged gold bands, rounded on the exterior, flat on the interior, each decorated with long spear-shaped leaves with a central midrib, with fruit on delicate wire stems, each with a detailed filigree calyx. The terminals are composed of beaded and twisted wire bands, a row of tongues with twisted wire borders, three acanthus leaves with serrated edges and twisted wire borders, and two laurel leaves with beaded borders, with modern loops and an S-clasp closure 8¼ in. (21 cm.) diam. The sale price will be approximately 180,000 Euros.
The auction at Christie’s will take place in Kensington and the bidders will have the opportunity to acquire elaborate golden necklaces, armlets and bracelets, among other marvelous artifacts, originated from the Hellenistic and the Byzantine period. The items to be sold amount to 397, and the organizers of the auction expect to gain more than 8,600,000 British pounds (approximately 10,000,000 Euros).
Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. It has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong.
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