The history of Greek jewel, from the prehistory up to the hellenistic years and the Byzantium, is a fascinating testimony of human sensitivity and inventiveness, the relation of the person with the materials of world, the way with which he approached them and his attempt to harness them. Humbly or monumental, they are the continuation of an other clue of Greek culture per the centuries and they are perhaps the more emotional discoveries, because they bring as much as possible near to the life and the absent anymore bodies of these so much distant ancestors.

The neolithic treasure with gold ornaments, mostly ring-shaped amulets, made of hammered sheet. Unknown Provenance. From Final Neolithic Period 4500-3300 BC.

Cycladic jewelry neckalaces, earrings, pins, beads, bracelets , finds from the Cycladic islands Paros, Naxos, Melos, Amorgos, Thera, and the inspired from nature minoan art.

The great mycenaean civilization and the Homer's so-called "rich in gold" Mycenae. Finds from the Grave Circle A and Grave Circle B prove the importance of the mycenaean jewellery.

At last the not so known Byzantine jewellery a sample of this period is being called "the Mytilene Hoard". The 32 gold coins of the emperors Fokas (602-610) and Herakleios (610-625) and 21 pieces of valuable jewelry that were buried together with the silver vessels - presumably hidden in order to save them from being looted - were found at Krategos , outside the town of Mytilene (north Aegean Sea). The dates of the coins (625-626 AD) provide evidence of when the hoard was buried , a period characterized by continuous waves of hostlile incursions against Byzantium. From Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens
















Gold signet ring, the largest extant Mycenaean ring. It depicts a procession of lion-headed daemons holding libation jugs and moving towards an enthroned goddess. The goddess wears a long chiton and raises a ritual cup. Behind the throne is an eagle - symbol of dominion. The sun and moon are in the sky. 15th cent. BC.