Formed nearly two millennia ago, this hand-blown glass bead dates to the height of the Roman Empire, when glassmaking reached extraordinary levels of refinement. Buried for centuries, its surface has developed a natural iridescence, a rainbow patina created as minerals slowly interacted with the glass. The result is not decoration applied by hand, but color authored by time itself.
The History
Glass was one of Rome’s great technological achievements. By the early Imperial period, Roman artisans had mastered glassblowing, allowing vessels, beads, and everyday objects to be produced more efficiently and in greater variety than ever before. Glass moved easily through the empire’s trade networks, from workshops in the eastern Mediterranean to markets across Europe and North Africa.
Over centuries underground, some Roman glass developed the phenomenon now known as iridescence. As moisture and minerals penetrated the surface, microscopic layers formed and separated, bending light into shimmering bands of color. What was once a utilitarian object became, unintentionally, a luminous record of time, chemistry, and environment.
Beads like this would have been worn as personal adornment, carried close to the body. Today, removed from their original context and preserved in silver, they remain intimate objects, marked as much by their long survival as by their original making.
What's Included
Authentic Roman glass bead, custom set in silver
Sterling silver chain (18, 20, or 24 inches) included
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Certificate of authenticity with historical notes
Luxury gift box
Free insured U.S. shipping (international available)
Artifact Details
Object: Roman hand-blown glass bead
Date: c. 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Ancient Roman glass
Technique: Free-blown
Condition: Naturally iridescent surface from long burial
Each bead is unique. Shape, translucency, and color shifts vary according to the original glass composition and burial environment.
Roman Hand-Blown Glass Bead Pendant
$425.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country - you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us - we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
