Bulgari "Monete" Ancient Coin Necklace

Created circa 1980, this long and glamorous Bulgari "Monete" sautoir necklace is composed of ancient silver coins mounted in 18K gold. The group of nine Roman republican and imperial silver denarii depict Trajan, Nero, Augustus, and Antonio Pio, the pre-imperial Roman families Flaminius, Sempronius, and Claudio, the goddess Roma, and the Dioscuri, all named and dated within reverse-engraved bezels, and joined by flattened curb link chain. A rare vintage example, this glamorous and versatile Monete necklace is a gorgeous modern jewel seamlessly blending past and present.

Dimensions: 40.50" length.
Materials: 9 silver ancient Roman republican and imperial Denarius coins; 18K Gold
Gram Weight: 247.2
Signed: BVLGARI *202T0 750 Italian importation mark
Literature: For an extended discussion of Gemme Nummarie at Bulgari, see Bulgari, by Daniela Mascetti and Amanda Triossi, pp 110-133.

Bulgari's artisanal manufacture of "Gemme Numarie" or "Numismatic Gem" jewelry since the 1960s has spanned the modernist and post-modernist eras without losing any of the style's power and relevance. According to Bulgari scholars Mascetti and Triossi, Bulgari's specialists "scour the international markets" for coins of "inherent beauty". The ancient coins' mounting in sleek modern bezels and "filed curb linking" is done to elevate "the play of contrasts" between the "worn, matte finish of the ancient coin and the sleek, polished, highly reflective surface" of the gold. Guided by Nicola Bulgari's reverence for these archaeological specimens, the coins are carefully set so as to follow the slightly irregular ancient forms that have passed through innumerable unknown hands. Unlike other jewelers, Bulgari take pains never to damage the coins numismatic or cultural value. Reflecting Nicola's strong scholarly approach, each coin is engraved on the reverse with its name and year of issue. These vintage, long-form Bulgari jewels are rare and precious.