Necklace and Earring Set from Egypt: 5th century AD

Necklace and matching earrings made of gold, sapphires, amethysts, emeralds and pearls. Judging by the pictures of the Empress Theodora in the Ravenna mosaics, such jewels were in fashion for the Byzantine imperial court during the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The set shown here probably belonged to a rich lady of the provinces.

© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service, Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum