Circa 100-300 AD A beautiful gold pendant featuring a ribbed loop and plaque with openwork foliate border. A central cell displays a cameo bust of a young female, possibly an empress, with draped robe and mantle. The back is plain and unworked. The female figure’s hairstyle, with her low chignon, may be reminiscent of the fashion under Marcus Aurelius (imp. 147-175 AD). Portraits of his wife, Faustina II, on coins display a similar hairstyle, with the hair woven and assembled in a low bun. Marshall, F.H. Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, item 2726 for type. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. Size: L:38mm / W:26mm; 8.9g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.