Brooch

This pendant was bought in Rome in 1858 by Henry Cole, the first Director of the South Kensington Museum, later the Victoria & Albert Museum. He may have acquired it from Castellani, the most prestigious of the jewellers in Rome.

Ancient beads, scarabs and engraved gemstones from excavations were an essential element of jewellery made in the archaeological style. Mounted in gold, they were densely set in necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings or rings.