A Roman gold and turquoise pendant necklace, Roman Imperial Period, ca 1st -2nd century CE Medium - Silver artists of the Moche cultures

artists of the Moche cultures excelled at the creation of “portrait vessels

now elegantly mounted as modern earrings

Portobello Road in the 1980s

Provenance:  Private Virginia collection

Mounted on a mid-20th century acrylic stand

A Roman gold and turquoise pendant necklace, Roman Imperial Period, ca 1st -2nd century CE Medium - Silver artists of the Moche culturesThis graceful ancient gold earring element is set with a fine turquoise stone, later adapted as a pendant and suspended from a modern 18K yellow gold adjustable chain. The Roman component shows the elegant proportions and refined metalwork associated with personal adornment of the Imperial era, while the vivid turquoise adds a bright accent that would have signaled taste and status. Thoughtfully reset for contemporary wear, the mount preserves the