THE SPLENDOR OF BYZANTIUM

Sterling silver, 14K yellow gold, Fancy Orange Zircon showcase this large silver dollar size ancient Roman Byzantine Copper folles coin from 1000 years ago.  The intense brilliance of the precious copper orange zircon matches the highlighted regions of the coin's metal.  This unusual piece features a very heavy handmade setting and is shown on a ancient-style solid link 16" two-tone yellow and white 14K gold necklace. 

Such a unique creation was commissioned for a Turkish woman from Istanbul, formerly the capital of the Byzantine Roman Empire, aka Constantinople.  This piece was a gift for her 40th birthday in December.  There are numerous integral meanings to this piece.  First, the stone above the coin set in gold is a precious zircon, the birthstone for December.  The coin is displayed with the reverse side shown with a large M which was the Greek numeral for 40, also representing not only her 40th birthday, but her initials as well.  Greek numerals were used on the coins of the Byzantine Roman Empire and this coin, represented 40 units of measure (nummi).  The CON below the M means this coin was minted in Constantinople, her home city and former center of her heritage. 

Signed by the artist.

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