Founded in 2010 by Dr Ivan Bonchev, Apollo Art Auctions offers a full spectrum of collectibles and art for sale, including Asian, Islamic and Ancient pieces, as well as Ancient and Medieval coins. Based in central London, Apollo Art Auctions regularly produces new catalogues, catering for a large audience of collectors from all over the world.
Each piece that comes up for auction at Apollo Art Auctions undergoes rigorous vetting from a dedicated panel of consultants and experts. With a 20,000 strong database of clients from more than 70 countries, Apollo Art Auctions is a market leader in the realms of antiquities and pre-16th century art. Aiming to provide a smooth, easy experience for sellers and buyers alike, Apollo Art Auctions offers free valuations and advice.
Jewellery, and in particular precious metals and jewels, have long symbolised social status, wealth and power. In ancient times, such items were far more difficult to come by than they are now, and jewellery was largely the remit of aristocracy and the very wealthiest members of society.
Today, many of these ancient adornments have withstood the test of time admirably, with many examples as wearable now as they were when new. If they do require updating to ensure fit or durability, in many cases, little more is required than the subtlest tweak.
The Ancient Greeks typically favoured elegant, simply styled gold rings, necklaces, pendants, pins, armlets and hair ornaments embellished with crescent moons, rosettes, filigree, laurel wreaths and granulation. Some of the more flamboyant pieces were adorned with colourful jewels, such as a pair of turquoise-and-garnet gold earrings that went under the hammer in March 2022, fetching $4,000, plus the buyer’s premium.
The Ancient Romans, on the other hand, were very superstitious. Members of the upper echelons often carried or wore tiny gold amulets fashioned in the shape of wild boar, sun discs or acorns in order to protect against threats like scorpions and ultimately deflect disaster and safeguard their health. Crescent-shaped pendants and brooches representing Luna, the divine embodiment of the moon, were also popular with the Romans, with a highly embellished example fetching £650 plus the buyer’s premium when it went under the hammer at Apollo Art Auctions in October 2022.
Although it may be tempting to think that ancient wearable jewels remain the remit of the ultra-wealthy, in reality, people from all walks of life are enjoying these incredible wearable treasures. However, as Apollo Art Auctions founder Dr Bonchev points out, ancient jewellery has to be worn with a lot of care and is best saved for special occasions.
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