Crown and Etruscan gold jewelry discovered in the necropolis of Vulci Camposcola – Gregorian Etruscan Museum
Thanks to metal mines which provided iron and copper to buyers all around the Mediterranean, the Etruscans were very wealthy. The murals from Etruscan tombs make it abundantly clear that they also liked to enjoy all the luxuries which wealth makes possible. This love of opulence combined with their mastery of art in an unrivaled tradition of goldsmithing. The Etruscans were master jewelers (and the unique beauty of their pieces regularly spawns modern Etruscan jewelry revivals).
Crown from the Chiusi Museum of Etruscan Archaeology
Among the pieces frequently discovered are beautiful gold crowns and diadems in the shape of leaves, berries, acorns, waves, and geometric patterns. The Romans were well known for their love of crowns and golden wreaths–which marked various triumphs, victories, or successes. It seems likely that the Romans took this trait from the Etruscans (although the Etruscans may have copied these crowns from Greek or Middle Eastern antecedents). I found these photos of beautiful gold headdresses around the internet. Since the pieces are in such fine repair (and so numerous) I suspect they are from Etruscan tombs. Look at how subtle and elegant the goldsmithing is on some of these crowns. Etruscan craftsmen were famous for their mastery of various stamping, hammering, molding, and filigree techniques (which are very much in evidence here).
Ancient Etruscan Gold Wreath and Ring circa 4th Century BC
Three Gold Wreathes from the Gregorian Etruscan Museum at the Vatican ca. 4th century BC (http://irenebrination.typepad.com)
Gold crown in the shape of acorns and oak leaves (National Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia)
Golden crown of laurel leaves. Vulcan, Montalto di Castro ca. 350 BC
In the years after the Etruscan tribes developed into sophisticated states (but before they became crude republics) political power fell into the hands of various kings and tyrants. These strongmen may have marked their political ascendency with crowns and tiaras. It also seems likely that Etruscan nobles wore such adornments for sacred occasions…and to show off their wealth and status.
British Museum: Etruscan Gold Wreath
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June 12, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Neomys Sapiens
Allegedly, the Etruscan goldsmiths were known for a technique of building up objects from a large number of minuscule fused (soldered?) gold balls, which could not be replicated during roman times.
If I happen to find the reference, I’ll submit it later.
June 12, 2014 at 1:18 PM
Wayne
Ooh! I think I read about that at the Walters Museum. Thanks for remembering and please send me a link if you find one.
June 13, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Neomys Sapiens
I don’t have a link per se. I just remembered that it was mentioned in some historical novel (roman antiquity).
And they were not soldered but it is assumed the first application of SINTERMETALLURGIE. So the other place where I could have encountered this fact is somewhere in hundreds of (paper and electronic) engineering tomes.
June 13, 2014 at 5:55 PM
Wayne
Hmm, I’ll keep my eyes open. Don’t dig through the engineering tomes!
July 8, 2015 at 8:35 AM
Jennifer Payne
One technique is called Granulation and uses eutectic bonding to fuse the metal pieces together. A great book on the different techniques of jewelry and metalworking is by Oppi Untracht, “Jewelry: Concepts and Technology.” It’s big and heavy and expensive, so you might want to check it out at a library or as an e-book first. There are other sources on this topic. Charles Lewton Brain has written about it and he’s a wonder teacher.
July 13, 2015 at 1:05 AM
Wayne
Ooh! Thanks for the professional tips…and the bibliography! Etruscans, we’re coming for your jewelry secrets!