Roman Period Jewellery

 

In the 1st century BCE, Anatolia was under the control of the Roman Empire which itself was divided into provinces. The most influential jewellery workshops of the time were in the empire's capital Rome.
The most skilful craftsmen had moved to Rome, and the provinces were producing more affordable jewellery. Roman Period jewellery from the 1st century CE display a general consensus on style. Upon examining Roman jewellery, we see an increase in the use of precious and semi-precious stones, a rising preference towards glass, and a growth in popularity of jewellery among the low income group as a result of the use of cheaper materials such as bronze and iron. Furthermore, gilding bronze and silver so that such cheaper metals may resemble a precious metal like gold, was a process further developed in the period. As in the previous period, the use of semi-precious stones had increased
ari, the polychromy of jewellery.

Various techniques such as moulding, repoussé, granulation, filigree, ajouré/opus interrasile, niello and enamelling were used when making Roman jewellery. Earrings and
bracelets made with both the embossing and engraving techniques used together, were very fashionable during the period. Jewellery was usually used by women. Written sources acknowledge the passion Roman women had for jewellery by mentioning their use of tiaras, hair pins, earrings, necklaces, pendulums, bracelets and rings. Roman men also used jewellery such as rings, chaplets, fibulas and belt buckles. Besides adorning the wearer, jewellery served as a token of nobility, military rank, distinction, matrimony, and was used as a seal and amulet, practically in every period of time.

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