Laws were passed in 529 AD by Emperor Justinian that prohibited anyone who wasn’t the Emperor, or part of his imperial household from using gold, pearls and emeralds, along with the use of purple silk. Those who defined this law were subject to harsh punishments, which ranged from steep fines to even death.’
taken from berganza.com
The Byzantines inherited the highly developed goldsmithing and gem-cutting skills of the Roman Empire. Gold was the preferred metal, associated with divine light and imperial authority. Gems and precious stones such as pearls, sapphires, garnets, amethysts, and emeralds were imported from Asia, India, and Africa. The Byzantines also perfected cloisonné enameling, setting colored glass paste into gold cells to create vivid imagery. Jewelry often had protective or devotional purposes, functioning as amulets or containers for holy relics.
Justinianus and Theodora are adorned with rich jewels which symbolise their imperial and divine power
Constantinople housed the imperial workshops, which produced jewels for the court and church. The emperor and empress were adorned with elaborate crowns and earrings. These jewels were both political symbols and expressions of divine favor. Even after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Byzantine jewelry styles influenced Ottoman court jewelers which is definitely a topic for an article.
Today, Byzantine jewelry is recognized for its richness, religious symbolism, and technical sophistication, often displayed in museums across the world. Do not forget that Constantinople was ruthlessly looted by the Crusaders that carried the city’s wealth to the ‘west’ in 1204.
Here are some finest examples that are testimony to Byzantine mastery of jewelry making. I can not stop admiring the beauty, refinement and sophistication of these jewelry, able to mesmerise us even after so many centuries!
Luxuriously adorned bracelet combining gold, natural pearls, amethyst, sapphire, opal, glass, quartz, and emerald plasma. Interiors reveal detailed “opus interrasile” (pierced) pattern – early Byzantine, 500–700, Constantinople, Metropolitan Museum of Art
A Byzantine Cross with Pearls from 1200-1400, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Byzantine gold bracelet, 650, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Byzantine Gold Necklase, 6th Century, Metropolitan Museum of Art
A stunning necklace with small crosses made of pearls and gems, 6th-7th Century, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Byzantine two finger ring made of gold, amethyst, emerald, glass, pearl, early 6th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art
Byzantine ear ring from 6th-7th centuries , Metropolitan Museum of Art
notes on the visuals: taken from smarthistory.com and MET’s website.
