Greek, Hellenistic Period (323-30 B.C..)

A Greek diadem was tied around the head above the hairline, using ribbons attached to the rings at the strap ends. This diadem may have been a gift to a bride, because the five-petal blue flowers represent myrtle, sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love, and to Hera, goddess of marriage. The square knot, called a “Herakles knot,” was a good luck charm. The craftsman used every sophisticated goldsmithing technique known to the ancient Greeks: repoussé (tooled raised designs) sheet gold; wire loop-in-loop chain woven to form straps; wire filigree; granulation; and glass and garnet inlay.

For more information, see the gallery card A Masterpiece of Greek Gold Jewelry.

Gold, garnet, blue glass enamel inlays, about 250-200 B.C.
Gift of The Apollo Society with additional funds from the Libbey endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 2005.45