Necklace clasp
'The use of colored inlays is illustrated by the Constantinian necklace clasp. Nearly triangular in shape, the clasp has a straight base and two curved sides, one concave, one convex. A loop attached to the small end of the triangle explains the clasp's original function: it was the exterior element of a necklace and once corresponded either with a hook or with another loop as a counterpart. The construction is unusual, consisting of decorated plaque made from gold sheet, nine little poles (1.2 cm tall) that support it, and a plain base, also made from gold sheet, on which the poles rest. The substructure gives the piece more volume. The plaque is decorated with three colored stones set in a row along the straight side of the triangle. The two outer settings hold keeled garnets and the middle one a pale agate, a modern replacement for another stone, most likely another garnet. In the center is a large oval amethyst cabochon and on the extension another garnet. These stones are mounted in box settings made from gold sheet. Each setting is adjusted to the irregular shape and size of the stone and surrounded by an ornamental frame made from gold sheet and decorated in repoussé with a pattern of oval petals. With relatively simple means, the goldsmith succeeded in creating the impression of multi-petaled flowers with colored stamens. Three oriental pearls, pierced and held by short wire ends, are set into interstices between the colored stones. Each is surrounded by a circlet of coarsely beaded wire. The same wire edges the clasp, accentuating its triangular shape. The straight side is fitted with two wire rings that are, in fact, the cheniers (knuckles) of a hinge. A matching wire ring, which was inserted between the two rings on the clasp, linked it to the following element of the necklace to which it once belonged. The head of the hinge pin consists of a small circular bezel holding a garnet. Using a hinge allowed a flexible and at the same time solid join between the single elements of a necklace. Combining it with a pinhead in the shape of a box setting was an innovation of late Roman goldsmiths, proof of their sophistication.'
Quantity
1
Comment
Cleveland Museum of Art (Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 1994.98)
Material
Gold
Hoard
References:
Reference
Comment
http://www.clevelandart.org/art/1994.98?collection_search_query=spacer&op=search&form_build_id=form-jVBTnmQcjEJMWCkHPA-9uRLRpWRog1s6Cu6s1eYjmLI&form_id=clevelandart_collection_search_form#art-object-parts
This object
Yes
