Gemstone jewellery is a fascinating topic that reveals the culture, values, and aesthetics of one of the most influential civilizations in history. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the history of gemstone jewellery in Ancient Rome, from the Republic to the Empire.
The Republic
The Republic was the period of Roman history from the 6th century BCE to the 1st century BCE, when Rome was governed by elected magistrates and a senate. During this time, Rome expanded its territory and power through conquest and diplomacy, and became the dominant force in the Mediterranean region.
The jewellery worn by the Romans in the Republic reflected their social status, wealth, and taste. The upper classes wore gold and silver jewellery, often adorned with precious and semi-precious gemstones imported from other regions or countries. The lower classes wore bronze or iron jewellery, sometimes imitating the styles and materials of the elites. The most common types of jewellery were rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and pendants.
The Romans were influenced by the jewellery styles and techniques of other cultures, especially the Greeks and the Etruscans. They adopted and adapted their motifs, such as leaves, flowers, animals, gods, and goddesses. They also learned their skills, such as granulation (tiny balls of metal), filigree (thin wires of metal), and intaglio (engraved gems). They also developed their own innovations, such as cameo (carved gems in relief) and glass paste (imitation gems made of coloured glass).
The Romans also used gemstones for their symbolic or magical properties. They believed that certain stones had healing or protective powers, or could enhance certain qualities or emotions. For example, they used amethysts for sobriety, pearls for purity, and emeralds for love1.
The Empire
The Empire was the period of Roman history from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, when Rome was ruled by emperors and reached its peak of expansion and prosperity. During this time, Rome controlled most of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia Minor and the Middle East.
The jewellery worn by the Romans in the Empire reflected their opulence, diversity, and creativity. The upper classes wore lavish and elaborate jewellery, often made of gold and studded with a variety of gemstones. The lower classes wore more modest and simple jewellery, often made of bronze or glass. The most common types of jewellery were rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pendants, and diadems.
The Romans were exposed to a wide range of influences and motifs in jewellery from different regions and cultures within their empire. They incorporated elements from Egypt, Persia, India, Gaul, Britain, and others. They also experimented with new materials and techniques, such as enamel (coloured glass fused to metal), niello (black metal alloy inlaid on silver), and millefiori (glass rods cut into slices with floral patterns).
The Romans also used gemstones for their personal or political meanings. They used them to express their identity, loyalty, or affiliation. For example, they used cameos to portray themselves or their emperors, they used coins to commemorate important events or achievements, and they used seals to authenticate documents or messages.
Conclusion
Gemstone jewellery is a rich and fascinating aspect of Roman history and culture. It reveals the beliefs, values, and aesthetics of different periods and eras. It also showcases the skills, creativity, and innovation of Roman artisans and craftsmen. Gemstone jewellery is not only a way to adorn oneself, but also a way to connect with the past and present.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the history of gemstone jewellery in Ancient Rome. If you want to learn more about gemstones, you can visit our 'Everything About Gemstones' blog section on our website. You can also check out some of the beautiful and unique gemstone jewellery pieces we have for sale on our collections page, at wholesale trade prices here.
Thank you for reading and happy shopping! 😊