"Portalis" pendant

An exceptional Merovingian gold and garnet pendant necklace, circa 5th–7th century AD

This one-of-a-kind necklace centres on a remarkable Merovingian gold jewel dating to the early medieval period, suspended from a bespoke strand of 18ct gold and garnet beads. The artefact, of substantial presence and architectural form, weighs approximately 20 grams and is set with its original point-cut garnet — a gem likely to have journeyed from India along early trade routes.

The pendant's bold geometry suggests the symbolic form of a gateway or keyway, motifs resonant across ancient cultures as thresholds between realms. The name Portalis pays tribute to this idea, evoking the piece’s enigmatic origins and the passage of time it has traversed.

The gold, assaying at over 96% purity, aligns with material from the famed Childeric hoard. The Merovingians, early Frankish rulers and founders of both France and Germany, buried treasured personal adornments with their elite, resulting in discoveries such as this — extraordinarily preserved and singular in design.

Portalis is a royal treasure of great aesthetic refinement, from the dawn of European art.

Details

• Necklace length:  47cm / 18.5 inches.  Length can be customised.
• Pendant dimension: 18mm x 39mm
• Care instructions supplied upon enquiry