CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.

Each cameo in this spectacular pair of gold bracelets depicts the monster Medusa frontally with a slight incline to her right. Her face is framed by serpentine locks with wings emerging at her forehead. Each cameo is set within a circular box, secured by a saw-tooth bezel, and enclosed by a band of convex, curving rays bordered by beaded wire. The box is joined to the spiral-fluted hollow hoop by means of hinged loops.

The Gorgoneion – a mask of Medusa – was typically carved using the two layers of onyx, as observed here, and was the most popular subject for cameos during the Roman Imperial period. A ring, brooch or bracelet set with a Gorgoneion was apotropaic, providing the wearer with the power to deflect the Evil Eye. For a discussion of the type see pp. 183-192 in M. Henig and H. Molesworth, The Complete Content Cameos.