Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu

An ancient Greek gold amphora pendant, 5th-3rd century BC., the hollow amphora drop with gadrooned detail, scrolled handles and reeded suspensory loop, length 24mm. £800-£1,000

From an old English collection. Amphora have traditionally been used for storing and transporting wine since Neolithic times. In the Classical Greek period they were also used as prizes in the Panathenaic Festival containing olive oil from the sacred olive tree of the goddess Athena. They also have a funerary context with the god Dionysus and in jewellery are an important symbol of wealth.