Etruscan Necklace

The Field Museum's Italy collection includes several rare and complete Etruscan tomb groups from sites in Etruria (modern Tuscany). Many fantastic pieces of jewelry displaying granulation were found in these tombs. The method of making granulated gold remained a mystery until just a few years ago. Jewelers succeeded in reconstructing the process by studying this Field Museum piece and those from other collections. The technique requires small hands and fine dexterity.