Gold pendant ring with carnelian scaraboid

A gold loop mount with a granulated bail holds an oval carnelian scaraboid, carved with a beetle-like form in low relief and set in a bezel with two gold cones at its sides. The smooth gold ring and warm stone stand out clearly against the neutral backdrop.

Look closer: Fine granulation and twisted wire decorate the top bail where it joins the loop.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 5th–4th century BCE

Medium

Gold, carnelian (chalcedony)

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

1764 × 1380 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76