Karavas Gems Large-Bead Aventurine and Pearl Necklace

Unique, art-inspired gifts for her. In 330 CE, Constantine the Great (r. 306-337)-the first Christian ruler of the Roman empire-transferred the imperial capital from Rome to the eastern city of Byzantion, which he renamed Constantinople ("the city of Constantine") in his own honor. As the inheritors of the Roman empire, the Byzantines carried the torch of tradition and produced a wealth of wearable treasures in precious gold, silver, and gemstones, signaling their unwavering status. Our necklace, featuring beads of aventurine and cultured freshwater pearl, reimagines a timeless 6th-7th-century necklace found at Karavas, Cyprus, formerly part of the Byzantine empire. With colorful green-quartz beads, lustrous pearls, and exquisite opus interrasile craftsmanship-a pierced metalwork technique used between the 3rd and 7th centuries-The Met's adornment exemplifies the astounding finesse of Byzantine jewelry. Read about the Museum treasure behind this jewelry and shop other art-inspired designs in our blog post