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Christie’s is Selling Ancient Jewelry Online Now
The “Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art” online jewelry auction features lots from Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East.
This Roman agate cameo pendant featuring a carving of Medusa mounted in an ancient style gold setting circa 2nd to 3rd century A.D. is part of Christie’s online “Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art” jewelry auction, going on now. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2018)
New York—Christie’s is offering pieces of history during its online sale happening right now.
The company is currently holding a jewelry auction that bridges the past and present through the art of adornment.
“Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art” features 70 lots comprised of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, cameos and other pieces from the ancient world, including Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East.
The online sale is open for bidding now through Thursday (Dec. 6). Price estimates start at $800 and go up to $50,000.
Highlights include an Egyptian gold and carnelian multi-strand necklace from the New Kingdom, the period in ancient Egyptian history between the 16th century B.C. and the 11th century B.C. and including the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties of Egypt.
Comprising two separate necklaces strung together with a modern hook and loop closure (and pictured below), it is estimated to go for between $30,000 and $50,000. 
There also is a pair of Roman gold coin earrings with carnelian cameos of female busts circa 3rd century A.D. that could fetch up to $8,000, and a pair of Byzantine gold, garnet, pearl and sapphire earrings (seen below) circa 6th to 7th century A.D. that are estimated to sell for between $20,000 and $30,000. 
A Byzantine gold and pearl ring from the 6th century A.D. could garner as much as $45,000; an ancient necklace comprised of Egyptian amethyst beads from the Roman Period, Greek gold beads from the Hellenistic period and lengths of Byzantine gold chain strung with a modern metal clasp is estimated to sell for between $2,000 and $3,000; and a Roman gold and banded agate ring (pictured below) carved with an eagle on an altar circa 1st century B.C. could go for between $8,000 and $12,000. 
To view all 70 lots in the jewelry auction, visit Christies.com.
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