Ancient Roman decorated votive glass bracelet / bangle

1st-2nd century AD

€ 125.00 VAT margin scheme

Article code: 24-3716

Ancient Roman green glass bracelet, formed as a closed circular band with a slightly irregular oval outline. The bracelet is made from translucent greenish glass with visible striations and flow lines from the manufacturing process. The surface shows gentle undulations and knobbed decorations, giving the piece a hand formed and organic appearance. The glass has a soft lustre and catches the light with varying tones of green.

Size: ± 36,5 mm inside diameter

Condition: intact and complete. Surface wear consistent with age, including light scratches, minor irregularities and natural glass weathering.

The unusually small internal diameter strongly suggests this piece was not intended for everyday wear. Its size and form indicate it was most likely a votive bracelet, produced as a symbolic offering rather than a functional item of personal adornment.

Quantity

The Romans used glass to imitate precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires or amethyst. Glass was much cheaper and easier to produce in various colours and more flexible to make special designs. With the availability of relatively inexpensive glass, many less affluent Romans could afford rings and bracelets made entirely of glass.