Jewellery is not just a decorative object but an interaction with the character and personality of the individual. You will be surprised to know that jewellery dates back to the time when it was made of all natural elements such as flowers, leaves, rocks, bones, etc. Each and every civilization had its own unique jewellery crafting style specific to their culture. If ancient jewellery fascinates you, then this article will provide you with insights on the ancient Greek jewellery. Read on to know more about ancient Greek jewellery.

Ancient Greek Jewellery – History

Ancient Greek Jewellery spans a period from 2600 BC to 31 BC. Some majestic styles and techniques of jewellery making were developed over this period including great civilizations and eras such as Minoan Greece, Mycenaean age, Classical Greece and the Hellenistic period. The ancient Greeks felt the need for personal decoration even before they learned the art of metallurgy. Within the Stone Age, bones, sea-shells, clay, and simple stones were used for the production of Ancient Greek Jewellery. Today, the majority of ancient Greek jewellery artifacts are discovered in funerary graves as the ancient Greek believed that the deceased travel in the afterlife with their jewellery and personal belongings. 

Bronze Age: Minoan and Mycenaean Eras

In the Bronze Age, the jewellery artists magnified the complexity of jewellery designs. Their authentic artisan masterpieces portrayed the endowment of the ruling nobles of the period. Ancient Greek considered their jewellery as a symbol of power and social status. In addition to this, they thought jewellery to act as amulets to protect them against evil spirits.

The Ancient Greek craftsmen learned the art of goldsmithing techniques from other ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia. Even thousands of years ago, the ancient craftsmen shaped and sustained their novel jewellery styles and designs for centuries.

Began in Crete and Aegean islands from 2600 – 1400 BC, the Minoan civilization was the most powerful bronze age civilization. During this period, the granulation technique was used to adhere gold or silver beads to produce obscure jewellery designs. The craftsmen learned different jewellery making techniques from Egyptian and Syrian makers and flowers, insects, birds, sea life, snakes and lions were often depicted in their designs.

In the Mycenaean civilization (1600 – 1100 BC), the ancient Greeks crafted jewellery using gold, silver, bronze and different alloys. Their jewellery designs ranged from majestic rings to complex engravings. Pendants with motifs of flowers and human’s figures depict their authentic art of jewellery making. 

Classical Greece

In the Classical period (5th-4th centuries BC) or the “Golden Age”, the jewellery making techniques were highly revolutionized and reached a higher level of technology. The craftsmen used filigree techniques, metal casting and thin golden sheets for designing jewellery. Rosettes and laurel wreaths made of gold are great examples of their superior craftsmanship. Semi-precious and precious stones imported from different part of the world were an important part of their jewellery.

Hellenistic Period

In the Hellenistic period (323 – 31 BC), the gold and precious stones imported from the East influenced the jewellery making technique of ancient Greeks. The craftsmen developed jewellery embellished with beautiful coloured stones and new motifs such as figurines of gods, Eros, Nike, doves and also crescent moon designs. With the fall of Greece by the invasion of Romans, there were many notable changes seen in the jewellery making. During this time, the revival of ancient Greek jewellery took place and high-quality masterpieces were produced by the craftsmen and great regard was offered to the skilled jewellers. 

Speira – Timeless Greek Handmade Jewellery Collection
Discover a unique world of fine ancient Greek handmade jewellery with Speira. All the pieces designed by Speira symbolizes the beauty, history, character and emotional connection with the magical Greek Islands. They craft whimsical pieces of jewellery with handpicked precious and semi-precious stones to deliver a classical touch.