Description:

Ancient Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd to 1st century BCE. This exquisite high-quality gold lunula, or crescent-shaped pendant, is in near pristine condition, with a suspension loop that can still be threaded on a cord for wearing! The 95.66% to 96.5% gold sheet, equivalent to 22K+ to 23K+, is adorned with delicate granulation and filigree wires, scrolling and twisting like rope and plant tendrils, while the terminal tips display slightly raised circular discs. The term "lunula" is derived from the Latin word lunula, meaning "little moon," and these pendants were commonly worn in ancient Greece and Rome, often crafted from gold or silver. Their shape symbolizes the moon and is associated with various lunar deities, embodying femininity, fertility, and protection, such as Artemis (Diana) and Selene (Luna). Size: 1.5" L x 1.48" W (3.8 cm x 3.8 cm); gold quality: 95.66% to 96.5% (equivalent to 22K+ to 23K+); weight: 6.1 grams

Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-Ruskin collection, Oxford, UK, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#189698

  • Condition: Minor indentations to the raised circles on terminal ends, and tiny pinhole to the right terminal circle. Softening to the filigree and granulation. Overall excellent and choice. Wearable condition!

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Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

October 25, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000