BVLGARI Roma 1970 Moneta 268 BC Coin Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold
A Moneta earrings designed by Bvlgari.
This pair of earrings are from the iconic Moneta collection created by Bvlgari, back in the late 1970's. The rare earrings has been crafted in a square cushioned shape, in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. They are mounted in bezel settings with a great pair of authentic Roman silver Quinarius coins from the Republican period, struck at the Roma city mint between the 268 bc and 244 bc. A Quinarius, was a small silver Roman coin valued at half a denarius. The earrings are fitted at the reverse with posts for pierced ears and comfortable omega backs for fastening clips.
Obverse description: The portrait bust of Roma wearing a helmet facing to the right, all inside a dotted frame.
Reverse description: Dioscuri galloping to the right, behind the flying figure of Victory crowning with wreath. Below, the name of ROMA on tablet.
Numismatist literature: Similar to Sydenham 147. RBW 251. Crawford 61/1.
Weight: 28.60 Grams, (18.35 Dwt.).
Measures: 22 mm by 22 mm (0.87 x 0.87 Inches).
Hallmarks: They are both stamped with Italian marks; the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the 18kt gold, the coin origin with the descriptions and signed in full, "BVLGARI .750 *33VR QVINARIVS ROMA 268-240 AV JC".
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 coins are of collectable numismatist interest, with a beautiful portrait in high relief, well centered strikes and with great aged patina.
Collateral: These earrings are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of these earrings are excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The coins are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: E071124ENNS/.6874
