Greek And Roman Jewellery

By R A Higgins
Metheun and Co Ltd
1961

Metheun and Co writes:

The subject of this book is jewellery from Classical lands from the Early Bronze Age (about 2500 B.C) to the Late Roman period (about A.D 400). It thus covers some 3000 years of almost continuous development.

A full account of the technical methods of making jewellery is followed by a description, period by period, of the jewellery itself. Some periods, such as the Etruscan, have been the subject of detailed studies, but others, such as the Minoan and Mycenaean, have been almost completely neglected by students of ancient jewellery. The author, who is an Assistant Keeper at the British Museum, is particularly fortunate to have at his disposal what is perhaps the finest general collection of ancient jewellery in the world. He has experience of excavation, and has worked on material at Mycenae and Knossos.

The narrative is supplemented by very full site-lists and bibliographical references, which serve as a foundation for the arguments brought forward in the text, and as a guide to further reading. There are 68 plates, four in color, and a number of line drawings.

It is hoped that this book will serve not only as an introduction to a fascinating subject, but also as a work of reference for museums, dealers, archaeologists and collectors.