American - Bangle Bracelet - Walters 572142
Over the crossed flags is superimposed a green enameled wreath which bears a sculpted gold pelican wounding her breast so that her young may feed on her blood. A symbol of Christian charity, the "pelican in her... More
American - Eagle Stick Pin - Walters 571109 - Profile
During the early 19th century, stickpins were a popular accessory worn by men as a tie or cravat pin. They came in a variety of precious materials and motifs. So as not to appear feminine, they frequently repre... More
American - Necklace with Turquoise - Walters 57992 - Detail
This appealing silver and turquoise Pueblo necklace is of a style popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The necklace consists of turquoise and silver beads with silver cross pendants. Christian... More
American - Necklace with Turquoise - Walters 57992
This appealing silver and turquoise Pueblo necklace is of a style popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The necklace consists of turquoise and silver beads with silver cross pendants. Christian... More
American - Stick Pin with Grapes - Walters 571984
During the early 19th century, stickpins were a popular accessory worn by men as a tie or cravat pin. They came in a variety of precious materials and motifs. So as not to appear feminine, they frequently repre... More
Anatolian - Griffin Fibula - Walters 542232
The human hand on the foreleg of the griffin would have held the pin of this brooch.
Anglo-Saxon - Square-Headed Fibula - Walters 542508
From surviving depictions, we know that these "fibulae" or brooches were worn by men on their shoulders with the square part facing upwards. Depending on the style of the garment or mantle, one or two of these ... More
Austrian - Gothic-Style Bracelet - Walters 571999
This extravagant bracelet consists of five arched segments and three foliate segments. Judging from indentiations in the original leather case, this piece was originally a diadem with two additional foliate ele... More
Byzantine - Belt Buckle - Walters 542332
On this bronze buckle, one of many made for less wealthy patrons, the portrait of a beardless Christ was thought to protect the wearer from harm. Belt buckles were in use in the Byzantine Empire by the 5th cent... More
Byzantine - Belt Buckle - Walters 57545
Gold belt buckles were usually personallized with the owner's name, like the small monogram of Theodore seen on this luxurious example. Belt buckles were in use in the Byzantine Empire by the 5th century, when ... More
Byzantine - Belt Section with Medallions of Constantius II and Faustin...
Imperial medallions, such as this one of Constantius II (reigned 350-361), were often mounted by their recipients to boast of their highly favored status in society. This stunning example, minted in Nicomedia (... More
Byzantine - Belt Section with Medallions of Constantius II and Faustin...
Imperial medallions, such as this one of Constantius II (reigned 350-361), were often mounted by their recipients to boast of their highly favored status in society. This stunning example, minted in Nicomedia (... More
Byzantine - Belt Section with Medallions of Constantius II and Faustin...
Imperial medallions, such as this one of Constantius II (reigned 350-361), were often mounted by their recipients to boast of their highly favored status in society. This stunning example, minted in Nicomedia (... More
Byzantine - Bracelet - Walters 571844
This bracelet is made of tubular gold, with a simulated fastener of five ribs embossed on one side. It was bought ca. 1920 in Athens together with two others, now in Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, inv. 951.166.... More
Byzantine - Bracelet with a Lion, a Sphinx, and a Syren - Walters 5771...
Anonymous (Byzantine). 'Bracelet with a Lion, a Sphinx, and a Syren,' 12th century. repouss� silver. Walters Art Museum (57.710): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Byzantine - Diadem - Walters 57549
Byzantine craftsmen revived the Hellenistic tradition of incorporating multicolored gemstones in jewelry, which was not common during the Roman imperial period. The ten sections of this openwork diadem were eac... More
Byzantine - Dress Ornament - Walters 57547
This intricate gold ornament was designed to be sewn to a woman's dress or headcover. The eagle with spread wings is a recurring Byzantine image, while the peacocks at the top represent eternal life.
Byzantine - Earring - Walters 571729
Annular earring with three pendants of plaited chains to each of which is attached a croix patee of hollow gold, the front ornamented with repousse featherings and a central cell holding green vitreous paste; b... More
Byzantine - Earring with a Bust of the Virgin - Walters 44300
Anonymous (Byzantine). 'Earring with Christ Pantokrator,' 10th century. cloisonn� enamel on gold. Walters Art Museum (44.301): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1926.
Byzantine - Head Ornament - Walters 57546
This luxurious piece of jewelry may have been a hair ornament, or one of two pendants that hung from a noblewoman's crown or headdress. The small bust of a woman with a turreted crown is identified by the Gree... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring - Walters 571715 - Top
The hoop and circular bezel of this gold ring are edged with beads. The motif of the clasped hands, signifying love, betrothal, and marriage, was first introduced in the Roman period and remained a popular symb... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ - Walter...
This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Chris... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ - Walter...
This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Chris... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ - Walter...
This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Chris... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ - Walter...
This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Chris... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ - Walter...
This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Chris... More
Byzantine - Menorah Pin - Walters 542946
This long, straight pin may have been used by a Jewish woman to fasten her clothing, or to ornament her hair. In earlier periods, in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, pins like these were used to fasten cloa... More
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571727 - Detail A
Made for a middle-class woman, this necklace is composed of simple, toy-like ducks that appear to be solid gold, yet are actually stamped out of thin foil. This creates the false impression of a very costly ne... More
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571727
Made for a middle-class woman, this necklace is composed of simple, toy-like ducks that appear to be solid gold, yet are actually stamped out of thin foil. This creates the false impression of a very costly ne... More
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571817
Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as these. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 57544 - View A
Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as these. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.
Byzantine - Pair of Earrings - Walters 57560, 57561 - Front Back
These dramatic, colorful earrings were most likely made in Constantinople, perhaps as an imperial gift to a Visigothic ruler of medieval Spain, where the earrings were found. The Visigoths, a migratory group t... More
Byzantine - Pair of Earrings - Walters 57560, 57561
These dramatic, colorful earrings were most likely made in Constantinople, perhaps as an imperial gift to a Visigothic ruler of medieval Spain, where the earrings were found. The Visigoths, a migratory group t... More
Byzantine - Pectoral Cross with the Virgin and Child, Saints Peter, Jo...
This bronze "enkolpion" (pectoral cross) depicts the standing Virgin and Child flanked by busts of the apostles Peter and John. An accompanying inscription identifies the Virgin as the Panagia ("All-Holy One").... More
Byzantine - Pendant Seal with Virgin and Supplicant - Walters 571008
The small, shell-shaped seal depicts the standing Virgin, whose hand is extended over a kneeling supplicant. The person's name is revealed by the accompanying inscription.
Byzantine - Ring - Walters 571604 - Group
Unlike seal and marriage rings, which had functional and social significance, small rings of this type were purely ornamental.
Byzantine - Ring - Walters 571642 - Group
Unlike seal and marriage rings, which had functional and social significance, small rings of this type were purely ornamental.
Byzantine - Ring - Walters 57542 - Profile
The blue nicolo itaglio has a delicate figure of Nike (Victory) standing on an orb and holding a wreath in her outstretched hand. The circular bezel is almost completely separated from the hoop and is held up b... More
Byzantine - Ring with an Intaglio of Pan - Walters 571580 - Left
The hoop of this large signet ring is decorated with scrollwork. The sides of the octagonal bezel, which is framed by two lions at the shoulders, are inscribed in Greek with a quotation from Psalm 26: "Lord, my... More
Byzantine - Ring with an Intaglio of Pan - Walters 571580 - Right
The hoop of this large signet ring is decorated with scrollwork. The sides of the octagonal bezel, which is framed by two lions at the shoulders, are inscribed in Greek with a quotation from Psalm 26: "Lord, my... More
Byzantine - Ring with an Intaglio of Pan - Walters 571580 - Top
The hoop of this large signet ring is decorated with scrollwork. The sides of the octagonal bezel, which is framed by two lions at the shoulders, are inscribed in Greek with a quotation from Psalm 26: "Lord, my... More
Byzantine - Seal Ring - Walters 571053 - Profile
This gold seal ring has four lines of Greek inscription in reverse on the oval bezel. The monograms and decorative vine scrolls on the shoulder are done in niello. The mandators (literally "messengers") were By... More
Byzantine - Signet Ring - Walters 572104 - View A
More than simply jewelry, signet rings were essential in the Early Byzantine period for sealing personal documents and validating wills and testaments. By the 6th century, most rings had a personal monogram, su... More
Byzantine - Signet Ring - Walters 572104 - View B
More than simply jewelry, signet rings were essential in the Early Byzantine period for sealing personal documents and validating wills and testaments. By the 6th century, most rings had a personal monogram, su... More
Celtic - Ring Brooch - Walters 542342 - Detail
This pin has decorative interlace panels and tri-lobed knots cast on its annular (circular) ring. Tri-lobed knots are often found in Irish illuminated manuscripts of the period where they are a symbol of the Tr... More
Celtic - Ring Brooch - Walters 542342
This pin has decorative interlace panels and tri-lobed knots cast on its annular (circular) ring. Tri-lobed knots are often found in Irish illuminated manuscripts of the period where they are a symbol of the Tr... More
Chinese - Belt Ornament in the Form of a Tiger - Walters 542398
Anonymous (Chinese). 'Belt Ornament in the Form of a Tiger,' 4th-2nd century BC. bronze. Walters Art Museum (54.2398): Museum purchase, 1954.
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863 - Back
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863 - Detail A
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863 - Left
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863 - Right
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863 - Three Quar...
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Chinese - Hair Ornament - Walters 861
This pair of ornaments (with Walters 86.14) and headdress (Walters 86.3) were likely once worn by the empress dowager, the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite... More
Chinese - Hair Ornament - Walters 8614 - Back
This pair of ornaments (with Walters 86.1) and headdress (Walters 86.3) were likely once worn by the empress dowager, the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite ... More
Chinese - Hair Ornament - Walters 8614
This pair of ornaments (with Walters 86.1) and headdress (Walters 86.3) were likely once worn by the empress dowager, the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite ... More
Circle of the Limbourg Brothers - Medallion with the Emperor Augustus'...
According to legend, the Roman emperor Augustus asked a prophetess if there was anyone greater than himself. It was the day of Christ's birth, and the answer came to the emperor in a vision: a golden circle ar... More
Circle of the Limbourg Brothers - Medallion with the Emperor Augustus'...
According to legend, the Roman emperor Augustus asked a prophetess if there was anyone greater than himself. It was the day of Christ's birth, and the answer came to the emperor in a vision: a golden circle ar... More
Colombian - Nose Ring with Oval Disc - Walters 57361
Gold nose rings were among the artifacts brought back to Spain by Columbus. They were a popular form of body ornament and sign of rank for both men and women in ancient Central America.
English - Amuletic Brooch - Walters 571987 - Back
This private, devotional brooch is shaped like an "A" and inscribed with the abbreviated prayer of AGLA: Atha Gebri Leilan Adonai ("Thou art mighty forever, O Lord").
English - Amuletic Brooch - Walters 571987 - View A
This private, devotional brooch is shaped like an "A" and inscribed with the abbreviated prayer of AGLA: Atha Gebri Leilan Adonai ("Thou art mighty forever, O Lord").
English - Amuletic Brooch - Walters 571988 - View A
Small praying hands serve as a delicate symbol of the faith represented by this brooch. One end is set with a sapphire, while the sides bear the inscription "Ave Maria " (Hail Mary).
English - Amuletic Brooch - Walters 571988 - View B
Small praying hands serve as a delicate symbol of the faith represented by this brooch. One end is set with a sapphire, while the sides bear the inscription "Ave Maria " (Hail Mary).
English - Bishop's Ring - Walters 57481 - View A
This elaborate bishop's ring has the typical combination of a gold setting with a single, large stone, in this case malachite. The gold is decorated with openwork eagles, animal heads, and floral elements. The ... More
English - Bracelet - Walters 572189 - Open
This intricate bracelet consists of eleven rectangular segments connected to each other by small hinges. Eight segments feature openwork floral patterns embellished with diamonds, while three are decorated in g... More
English - Bracelet - Walters 572189 - Three Quarter
This intricate bracelet consists of eleven rectangular segments connected to each other by small hinges. Eight segments feature openwork floral patterns embellished with diamonds, while three are decorated in g... More
English - Coral Bracelet - Walters 571887
These heads of Bacchus, the Roman wine god, and two female followers, known as bacchantes, are carved from highly prized red coral.
English - Finger Ring - Walters 571785 - Top
The octagonal bezel is set with a floral spray on foiled blue enamel ground set with diamonds.
English - Hat Badge with the Fall of Man - Walters 44266
The exterior rim is later; the rubies may also be a later addition.
English - Horse-Head Stick Pin - Walters 571122 - Profile
During the early 19th century, stickpins were a popular accessory worn by men as a tie or cravat pin. They came in a variety of precious materials and motifs. So as not to appear feminine, they frequently repre... More
English - Memorial Ring - Walters 44528 - Three Quarter
This ring commemorates two siblings who are named in the gold inscriptions on white enamel. The color of the enamel, associated with purity, indicates that they were unmarried. The ring is comprised of two halv... More
English - One of a Pair of Pearl Bracelets with Hair Inlays - Walters ...
In this elegant bracelet, a pair with Walters 57.2197, hair has been worked into an intricate design and mounted as the central element, like a precious stone.
English - Ring - Walters 571778 - Three Quarter
Square reeded bezel set with three square-cut diamonds.
English - Ring - Walters 571799 - Three Quarter
Anonymous (English). 'Ring,' mid 18th century. gold, silver, diamonds. Walters Art Museum (57.1799): Gift of Laura F. Delano, 1947.
English - Ring with a Portrait of a Woman Under Glass Bezel - Walters ...
This gold ring has a raised hexagonal fluted bezel with a miniature portrait of a lady in 16th-century costume under faceted crystal. A convex hoop has a winged terminal figure at the shoulders, and is enameled... More
English - Ring with Floral Motif - Walters 571776 - Top (2)
In the late 18th century and into the 19th century, marquise rings set with diamonds on dark blue or red enamel backgrounds became fashionable in Europe. The oval (marquise bezel), like this ring, and the rect... More
English - Ring with Floral Motif - Walters 571776 - Top
In the late 18th century and into the 19th century, marquise rings set with diamonds on dark blue or red enamel backgrounds became fashionable in Europe. The oval (marquise bezel), like this ring, and the rect... More
English - Silver Ring Brooch - Walters 571990
Found at Clitheroe, Lancashire in a drain in the 19th century, this ring brooch is inscribed IESUS with the ground cross-hatched between the letters, with a shaped tongue.
English - Stick Pin with Hound's Head - Walters 572173 - Profile
During the early 19th century, stickpins were a popular accessory worn by men as a tie or cravat pin. They came in a variety of precious materials and motifs. So as not to appear feminine, they frequently repre... More
English - Stick Pin with Hound's Head - Walters 572180 - Profile
During the early 19th century, stickpins were a popular accessory worn by men as a tie or cravat pin. They came in a variety of precious materials and motifs. So as not to appear feminine, they frequently repre... More
English - Stick Pin with Mouse on a Spoon - Walters 572184
During the early 19th century, stickpins were a popular accessory worn by men as a tie or cravat pin. They came in a variety of precious materials and motifs. So as not to appear feminine, they frequently repre... More
English - Stirrup-Type Ring - Walters 571986
This elegant gold stirrup-shaped ring, set with a small sapphire, was found near Botesdale, Suffolk.
English - Thumb Ring - Walters 571989
The ring's large size and lack of central ornamentation suggest that it was worn on the thumb. Each of the eight raised facets bears a letter of the inscription, IHESUS N (Jesus of Nazareth).
Ethiopian - Pendant Cross - Walters 57225417
Pendant crosses show the inventiveness of Ethiopian metalworkers in embellishing the simple form of the cross with a rich variety of designs. Worn around the neck by the faithful to ward off evil, these small c... More
Ethiopian - Pendant Cross - Walters 57225424
Pendant crosses show the inventiveness of Ethiopian metalworkers in embellishing the simple form of the cross with a rich variety of designs. Worn around the neck by the faithful to ward off evil, these small c... More
Ethiopian - Pendant Cross - Walters 57225435
Pendant crosses show the inventiveness of Ethiopian metalworkers in embellishing the simple form of the cross with a rich variety of designs. Worn around the neck by the faithful to ward off evil, these small c... More
Ethiopian - Pendant Cross - Walters 57225453
Pendant crosses show the inventiveness of Ethiopian metalworkers in embellishing the simple form of the cross with a rich variety of designs. Worn around the neck by the faithful to ward off evil, these small c... More
Ethiopian - Pendant Cross - Walters 57225454
Pendant crosses show the inventiveness of Ethiopian metalworkers in embellishing the simple form of the cross with a rich variety of designs. Worn around the neck by the faithful to ward off evil, these small c... More
Etruscan - "Baule" Earring - Walters 57412
This earring is decorated with filigree. Public domain photograph of Etruscan archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Etruscan - "Baule" Shaped Earring with Human and Bull Heads - Walters ...
This earring is decorated with repoussé and filigree. Public domain photograph of Etruscan archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Etruscan - Beads - Walters 57405
Etruscan necklace. Public domain photograph of Etruscan archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Etruscan - Bracelet with Open Rows of Looped Wire - Walters 57395
Composed of strips of openwork filigree; two smooth wires edged with twisted wires alternate with a waved smooth wire. At the ends of the bracelet are strips composed of a waved smooth wire between twisted wire... More
Etruscan - Braided Chain Necklace with Animal-Head Terminals - Walters...
Anonymous (Etruscan). 'Braided Chain Necklace with Animal-Head Terminals,' 7th century BC. gold. Walters Art Museum (57.458): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Etruscan - Breast Ornament (?) - Walters 57707 - Detail
The 7th and early 6th centuries BC are known as the Orientalizing period because of the many eastern, or "Oriental," elements in the art. In this prosperous era of international trade, Etruscan artists manufact... More
Etruscan - Bulla with Daedalus and Icarus - Walters 57371 - Side A
A "bulla" is a hollow pendant, that could hold perfume or a charm. Found inside this one was "labdanum", a substance used in perfume. Depicted are the mythical craftsman Daedalus and his son, Icarus (on the b... More
Etruscan - Circular Pendant on a Chain - Walters 57410
This pendant has diamond-shaped filigree ornamentation. Public domain photograph of Etruscan archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Etruscan - Etruscan Necklace with Relief Pendants - Walters 571676
Etruscan necklaces often combined a great variety of beads and pendants made from different materials. This arrangement of 202 zinc-copper alloy beads, 23 glass beads, and 23 gold pendants is a reconstruction o... More
Etruscan - Fibula - Walters 54138
The arched, "leech" shape of this pin, with one end beaten into an enlongated clasp ending in a knob, is typically Italic.