Greek Jewellery
The ancient Greek culture with its scientific findings and philosophical, architectural, and literary achievements still fascinates many people to this day. Greek jewellery is extremely popular because of its typical stylish designs. Here, at ars mundi, you can find a selection of carefully curated jewellery pieces featuring motifs, ornaments and patterns based on the antique jewellery of the Mycenaean and Minoan cultures. These two advanced civilisations of the Mediterranean region, developed from around 3000 BC eventually gave rise to the Greeks, who were already creating jewellery made of gold, silver, iron, copper, precious stones, pearls, and glass. However, in the beginning, jewellery was only intended for burial purposes for these civilisations. In everyday life, jewellery was worn mainly on special occasions and symbolised power, dignity, and wealth.
Animals and plants, as well as geometric patterns, were depicted on the diadems, medallions, necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings, and bangles. Jewellery from Greece often features snakes, such as snake necklaces, rings, or bangles. The snake was an ambiguous symbol: Reminiscent of Egyptian mythology, it symbolised Apophis, the god of darkness and adversary of the sun god Ra, for the Greeks as well. At the same time, the snake's ability to shed its skin symbolised rebirth and immortality. The snake can also be seen on the Asclepius rod, the emblem of pharmacists and doctors, where it symbolises healing. Another geometric shape frequently found in Greek jewellery, with origins in Greek culture, is the meander. It can be traced back to the river Maiandros. It symbolises beauty and balance, as well as immortality. The most famous piece of Greek jewellery is considered to be the "Bees of Malia" - a golden pendant excavated on Crete in 1930, which dates back to around 1700 BC.
We offer many of these and other typical jewellery from Greece, including many replicas of excavated pieces that are now exhibited in museums all over the world. In addition, you will find numerous pieces by the jewellery designer Petra Waszak, which are inspired by Greek mythology. Some of her works, such as the "Argonauts Gold" necklace or the "Princess Medea" jewellery set, refer directly to the Greek Argonaut saga of the voyage of Jason and his search for the Golden Fleece.