A Scythian Gold Pendant, ca. 3rd Century BCE

Of high carat gold, with semi-circular arms centrally set with a light emerald, a socket to either side one with original pearl still inset, and decorated with a stamped circular motif that terminate with stylized animal heads, a gold tear drop gold pendant below.  The pendant is beautifully presented on a later 14K flat gold chain.

Scythian art is composed primarily of decorative objects, such as jewelry, produced by the nomadic tribes that made up the area known as Scythia, which was centered on the Pontic-Caspian steppe and ranged from modern Kazakhstan to the Baltic coast of modern Poland and Georgia. Characteristic Scythian art was produced from the 7th-3rd centuries BC and early art depicted highly stylized animals, either in combat or alone. Once Scythian and Greek cultures came into contact, they both created a tremendous amount of influence on each another, especially in goldsmithing.

Dimensions: Necklace length: 17 inches (43.2 cm), pendant length: 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm)

Condition: Heavy denting to the tear drop, some minor losses to the animal heads, one pearl lost otherwise intact and restrung on modern 14K gold chain.

Provenance: Private Boston collection, acquired in the 1970's.