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KAPISTREE

Portalis

Portalis

POA
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Item

One of a kind unisex necklace.  A Merovingian gold jewel from the 5th - 7th century AD, suspended on a handmade 18ct gold and garnet bead necklace.

About

The crown jewel in our collection.  The centrepiece, around 1,400 years old, is a hefty 20 grams of the finest ancient gold.  It is set with its original point-cut garnet, likely imported by the Merovingians from India.

It is a breath-taking design with striking architecture.  It is shaped like a jewelled keyway, a form which in many ancient cultures represents a gateway.  "Portalis" evokes the mysterious history of this piece and the distinctive keyhole shape. 

It is an opulent treasure from the dawn of medieval Europe and the only piece of its kind.

One available.

Centrepiece

The Merovingians were a Frankish tribe descended from Merovech, whose name meant 'famed fighter'.  They became the first kings of France and caused the formation of both France and Germany. 

The Merovingians had the custom of burying valued personal possessions with their leaders, leading to the discovery of hoards such as the Treasure of Gourdon and Childeric's Treasure.  The gold in this buckle tests as over 96% pure (just over 23-carat) and matches the Childeric gold.

The gold hoop is solid and has two studded, articulating arms made from folded gold sheet.  The shield-shaped gem setting features fine filigree work and is attached with gold rivets.

This artefact has been XRF tested.  It was acquired from a private collection and has been checked against the Art Loss Register.

Details

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

 

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