BVLGARI Roma 1980 Moneta 307 AD Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds

A Moneta necklace designed by Bvlgari.

This is a wonderful necklace from the iconic Moneta collection created Milano Italy by the jewelry house of Bvlgari, back in the 1980-1990. The rare necklace has been crafted with  graduated links made up in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish and mount in the center with a genuine ancient Roman bronze coin from the emperor Maxentius (306-312 AD). The necklace is embellished with ninety-one natural white colorless diamonds and is fitted with a concealed security push box and a hinged slash for extra safety.

Maxentius

He was born Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius Augustus. Was Roman Emperor from 306 to 312. His father was the Roman Emperor Maximian. He was a prolific builder: the great basilica in the forum Romanum and the Circus Maxentius (second in size only to the Circus Maximus) were both built during his reign. He lost the civil war against Licinius and Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge and is thought to have died by drowning in the Tiber River. After his death, Constantine issued a damnatio memoriae against him. Buildings were renamed after Constantine. Additionally, Constantine's propaganda ensured that history represented Maxentius as a cruel and incompetent ruler.

Obverse description: The laureate portrait bust of emperor Maxentius facing to the right, with legend; IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG

Reverse description: CONSERVATO-RES VRB SVAE, Roma seated facing, head left, in hexastyle temple, holding glove in right hand, scepter in left, shield at side; knobs as acroteria; plain pediment; H in campus.

Numismatist literature: Similar to; RIC VI Roma 194a, RIC VI Roma 202a for this coin illustrated.

Diamonds: Mounted in pave settings, with 91 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of about 4.65 carats, white colorless F color, VS clarity.

Weight: 116.6 Grams, (74.75 Dwt.). 

Length: 16 Inches, (40.64 Cm.).

Measures: The main frame has a diameter of 35 mm (1.38 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with Italian marks; the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold, the coin origin with the descriptions and signed in full as follows, "BVLGARI ITALY KT18 *314MI MAXENTIUS FOLLIS ROMA AD 307-309".

Bvlgari

The company was founded in the late 19th century by Sotirio Bulgari, who was born in 1857 in Greece and was descended from a talented family of silversmiths. In 1884 he opened his first shop in Rome on the Via Sistina, and then in 1905 he moved to the actual flag's store in Via dei Condotti. Upon Sotirio’s death in 1932 his sons, Giorgio and Costantino, took over the business. They are credited with creating the highly distinctive ‘Bvlgari’ style, inspired by Greek and Roman classicism revival, the Italian Renaissance, and the 19th century Roman school of goldsmiths. The 1970s marked the beginning of Bulgari’s international expansion with the opening of stores in New York (the first overseas), Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo.

Moneta Jewelry by Bulgari

The practice of mounting coins for wear as jewelry has a long history dating back to ancient Roman times. Coins were not only minted as a unit of value for transactions, but the images appearing on them could be symbols of power, sometimes talismanic, and could represent alliances between countries. Nicola Bulgari, grandson of the founder of the firm, who developed an interest in coin collecting, can be credited as the “influencer” who was responsible for the launch of Bulgari’s modern tradition of mounting ancient coins in the mid-1960s. The use of ancient Greek and Roman coins also forged a firm connection with Bulgari’s proud Hellenic and Roman cultural heritage. Coins used in Bulgari jewels date from the 5th century B.C. to the 20th century A.D., depending in part on what is available in the market. Each coin has been thoroughly researched and the reverse of each mounting is inscribed with the name of the individual or region featured and the year of issue, inscribed in Roman font. Coins with irregular contours are mounted in such a way that the integrity of the coin is uncompromised; the mounting follows the shape of the coin so not to diminish its numismatic value. The scholarly aspect of Bulgari’s “Gemme Nummarie” (coin gems, derived from Latin), sets them above all imitators. Also referred to as simply “Monete” (coins, in Italian), Bulgari coin jewels can bestow status upon the wearer and be the source of stimulating intellectual conversation, but most importantly they show great respect for tradition while successfully linking antiquity with the present. (From Sotheby's with thanks).

Note: The coin is of collectable numismatist interest, with a beautiful portrait in high relief, well centered strikes and with great aged patina.

Collateral: These Bvlgari Moneta necklace is accompanied by the designer's presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this Bvlgari Moneta necklace is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The coin and the 91 diamonds are secured in thee settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: N032325OCEN/2.802