Roman or early Byzantine Period, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A beautiful long rolo chain, made of interlocking, flattened loops of silver. Studded at regular intervals on the chain are two large, spherical silver beads with raised circular patterns around their bodies. In the center is a large oval glass pendant on a silver backing. The glass has a purple/blue iridescent patina. The length of the chain suggests that this was probably a body chain, designed to be worn across the chest. See, for example, the gold body chain from the Romano-British Hoxne Hoard (British Museum 1994,0408.1). Size: 43" L (of chain); 0.9" W (of pendant) (109.2 cm; 2.3 cm). (27.2 g total including glass)

Provenance: private A. T. collection, Munich, Germany, acquired in 1985

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#121898

The two rings joining the ends of the chain together are modern, as are the two rings connecting the pendant to the chain. Glass surface has iridescent patina.