With a rich history, ancient Rome is renowned for its intricate jewelry designs and wide range of materials, particularly glass beads, and stones in every color of the rainbow. The impact of the various civilizations that the Romans valued, as well as the variety of natural materials found in all the acquired Mediterranean lands, further reinforced this art in its site. Furthermore, a vast network of imports facilitated access to resources that would not have been possible otherwise, such as semiprecious and precious stones, which would have required months of journeying through Persia, India, and other eastern regions on the Silk Road. The following post will teach you more about Roman jewelry.
Ancient Roman Jewelry for Men
In contrast to today, the Romans did not practice much gender discrimination in jewelry choices. Even though only wealthy men could afford to buy great art, including sculptures or silver goods, wearing multiple rings was considered normal. Men frequently wore multiple rings on each hand.
Rich men would acquire sculptures or silver goods, but it was customary for them to wear one or more rings, particularly when censorship was in effect. But Roman men may also wear torcs, pendant collars, and bracelets. One noteworthy example is the Roman ruler Titus Manlius, who is known as Titus Manlius Imperiosus “Torquatus” (who wears a torc) because, in 361 BC, he challenged a Gaul to single combat, killed him, and took his torc to wear it ever since. Since then, troops have received torques or torcs for their valiant actions in combat, which have become a characteristic ornament of elite units during Republican times of conquest.
Ancient Roman Jewelry for Women
Unlike males, Roman women wasted their money on collections of various jewelry sets and decked their bodies with necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings that they wore simultaneously. There are numerous accounts of husbands becoming dissatisfied with their wives’ excessive jewelry, thus there is no exaggeration. Even practical accessories, like garment-fastening pins or brooches, were frequently made of precious metal and elaborately embellished with gemstones. In Rome, earrings were one of the most fashionable accessories for ladies. Specifically, boat-shaped earrings made of precious metals were much sought-after.
Even practical Roman accessories, such as fibulas or brooches, which were just used to fasten clothes, were adorned with intricate designs made of metal, precious stones, and intaglios.
What materials were used in Roman jewelry?
Egypt was the source of semiprecious stones such as lapis lazuli, emeralds, peridots, garnets, and jasper. These had a diverse range of stones set into the earrings. They hauled in moonstone, onyx, and amber from the Persian Gulf.
Strangely enough, one of the most well-known amber expeditions, dubbed “The gold of the North” at the time, took place during Emperor Nero’s reign. According to a Roman Equite, a member of the Roman Equestrian Order, they brought in enough amber to construct a stadium large enough for gladiatorial combat.
Types of Roman Jewelry
Rings
Romans loved large, striking rings that conveyed their social standing. Senators and bureaucrats would wear gold rings with a large gemstone that would instantly reveal their rank to onlookers.
Commoners, or plebeians, were only permitted to wear iron rings; however, on rare occasions, they would be given gold rings as a tribute to their valor in combat.
Bracelets
Bracelets made of jet, bone, and bronze are common. These differ in size and style; some are twisted metal, some are ornamented, and some are plain. Clasps also differ. Some have rather complex hinges, some are riveted, others have a hook and loop, and some are just twisted together at the corners without being secured.
During the Iron Age, shale—a soft stone that was quarried and used to make Jewelry and drinking vessels—was also used to make bracelets. The Romans kept using this material, carving furniture and crafting Jewelry out of it. Babies and children also wore bracelets. Bracelets are recovered as grave goods because they were frequently buried with the dead.
Necklaces
Before the Roman takeover, torques were worn in Britain, and we know from epigraphic evidence that important Romans continued to wear them. Necklaces made of chains and beads were worn more frequently, and necklaces made of beads appear to have been particularly well-liked. Both men and women, wealthy and poor, preferred wearing necklaces. When the Emperors started the custom of putting a pendant around the winner’s neck, their popularity reached its peak.
Many Romans preferred pendants over straightforward, snug necklaces. These pendants often bore the likeness of the emperor or featured a gemstone set within fine metals. Sometimes, a strand of beads would incorporate a tiny charm or amulet, intended to protect its wearer from harm. Crafted from materials like glass, coral, shell, jet, ivory, and amber, these decorative pieces came in an array of shapes and sizes. Among the most iconic Roman beads was the melon bead, characterized by its glass composition, turquoise glaze, and distinctive ridged texture.
Earrings
Earrings are one of the oldest forms of jewelry to exist. The women of the Roman Empire wore earrings primarily to embellish the face, it was also to symbolize their value or position in society. Amethyst, which serves as a sign of enchantment, was one of the most popular materials around that could be embedded in earrings.
