Jewelled Amphora Necklace

The amphora is one of the most recognisable forms of the ancient Mediterranean. Yet in the hands of Roman goldsmiths, this familiar vessel could be transformed into something remarkably small and precious.

Surviving Roman jewellery reveals miniature amphora-shaped ornaments fashioned from gold and gemstones. Their distinctive narrow necks, sweeping handles and tapering bodies echoed the proportions of ancient vessels, while delicate wirework and granulation transformed the familiar shape into intricate personal adornment.

One incredible example was discovered in Essex and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme as 2011 T513. Dating broadly from the 1st to 4th century AD, the Roman jewel is formed around a polished, tear-shaped pyrope garnet, enclosed within a carefully constructed gold setting. Its handles are created from looped filigree wire, while tiny gold granules embellish the sides and pointed base.

The archaeological record also identifies a closely comparable Roman example in the British Museum, discovered in the River Thames in London. Together, such surviving pieces reveal an extraordinary tradition in which Roman craftspeople combined precious stones with sophisticated goldworking techniques to create jewellery on an exceptionally delicate scale.

Inspired by this remarkable tradition of Roman gemstone jewellery, the Roman Crystal Amphora Necklace reimagines the ancient amphora form with a deep red crystal at its centre, framed by sweeping golden handles and intricate ornament.