Historical Periods Of Ancient Greek Jewellery

The period from 2500 BC to 500 BC was the period of Minoan jewellery. Minoan craftsmen, who were working in troy and Crete near eastern Mediterranean Sea, produced standard types of fashion necklaces, earrings and bracelets. It was the establishment of classical Greek art. Items made in this period were consisted of chains and coils that were linked with gold plated wires or slim gold foils that were shaped into petals and rossets. The most common techniques were enameling and stamping for making Minoan jewellery which included inlaid stones, filigree and gold granulation. Main styles of Minoan jewellery were naturalistic patterns or spirals that were based upon cuttlefish, octopus or butterflies. This was the dark age of Greek jewellery.

The period of ancient Greek jewellery from 850 BC to 500 BC is known as archaic period which was greatly influenced by Assyrian and Egyptian patterns carried by Phoenician merchants, whowere crossing the Mediterranean Sea at that time. Basic techniques were same as were used in Assyrian and Egyptian styles of making jewellery. This age of Greek jewellery was the golden age and the primitive designs of making gold and silver jewellery were flowers and tassels. Main items that were made in this period were hoop earrings, filigree gold discs or rosettes.

Before the starting of early roman times, the period from 300 BC to 21 BC is known as Hellenistic period. When Alexander, The Great, conquered many places including Greece, the expensive gold pieces or stones became popular. And Egyptian themes and styles were revised. Basic styles and designs of Hellenistic age were gold pendants, cupids or doves. Long colored gemstones style was also introduced and liked much.

New stylish techniques of polychrome, rock crystal, chalcedony, cornelian and amethyst were also originated during this period. Old designs were revised and knot of Heracles or crown of Isis was added.


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