Ca. 400-300 BC. Late Classical/Hellenistic. A beautiful ancient Greek pendant comprising a ribbed amethyst bead perforated longitudinally with a gold suspension loop embellished with granulated decoration; the bottom is adorned by a gold sphere with filigree decoration in the form of a sun. Excellent condition; wearable. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. It also comes with a gemological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers. After Alexander conquered the Persian empire and seized its rich treasures in Babylon, vast quantities of gold passed into circulation. The market for fashionable gold jewellery exploded. Even after the reign of Alexander, his successors for centuries supported flourishing industries of artists and craftsmen, the most important of whom were associated with the Hellenistic royal courts. For more information, see Hemingway, C., Hemingway, S. (2000) "Hellenistic jewellery." In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.Size: L:25mm / W:11mm ; 4g. Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in the early 2000s in France; previously in 1970s European collection.