The Etruscans were the first in Italy to work gold, according to archaeological investigations carried out in the unearthed tombs. The particularity of these jewels is their large size and the various techniques used in their elaboration.
An important feature of Etruscan gold jewelry is the dies used in the stamping technique on the which can be distinguished human figures, plant forms and motifs of the animal worldall influenced by Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures.
Geometric shapes, meanders, diverse angles and symmetry are also common, which combined perfectly with plant elements that were then set in various pieces of jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces and pectorals, among others.
In making the decorations, the etruscans used a wide variety of different techniques and instrumentswhich varied according to the desired decorative effect, highlighting the techniques of filigree, embossing, stamping and engraving and granulation which was used to emphasize the reliefs.
Within the variety of Etruscan gold jewelry we can appreciate refined goldsmith pieces loaded with perfection such as buckles, long straps, round head brooches, bracelets, pins, bracelets, rings, necklaces, personal adornment jewelry as well as the decoration of defense items such as daggers, shields, swords and breastplates.
This type of jewelry it’s very elegant and is considered as a very fine art. Its finishes and terminations show craftsman master levels who, using an important variety of techniques, achieved unparalleled pieces. Etruscan jewelry is of great beauty and particular elegance. Through granulation, they covered entire surfaces and with the use of prints, female bas-reliefs were created in statues, flowers, and leaves.
A trend of the time was the use of the polychromatic technique, incorporating gems or glass paste, which combined exclusively with gold. The beauty of these jewels, with abundant decorations, allowed them to make shiny and smooth layers, or disintegrate into a fine powder, which gave spatial effects to each of the pieces.
A etruscan jewelry collection can be appreciated in Archaeological Museums of Florence and Anconaamong which are gold buckle bracelets, earrings, pendants, among others.
One of the most famous Etruscan jewels exhibited in these Museums is a leech fibula from the 7th centurymade of gold and coming from the Barberini’s Tomb. It is a piece that was used as a safety pin to fasten clothing to the waist, close a cape or mantle that was worn over the shoulder.
The jewels of this period have a elevated eastern influence and the preference for the ostentation and luxury. The earrings are very large in size, covering the entire ear, and are made of gold foil and decorated with filigree and granules. The pieces are usually hollow and made of sheet metal instead of being solid.
Without a doubt, Etruscan gold jewelry is an important legacysince the diversity of techniques used It has served as a guide for the goldsmiths of this time.