At the heart of this necklace is a rare bronze Lombard ornament, dating to approximately 575–625 AD and likely originating in northern Italy or the Carpathian Basin. Its architectural, curtain-like silhouette was once worn as belt adornment, an object of dress, protection, and personal display, very possibly in an amuletic or apotropaic (warding off evil) context. Lombard communities moved through the Middle Danube region before establishing a kingdom in Italy in the late sixth century, and archaeological evidence from elite women’s graves includes belts, clasps, necklaces, and other elements of richly expressive costume.

The bronze artifact is preserved intact, allowing its texturized surface and complex patina to remain central to the composition. Four articulated cascades of 18k yellow gold, peridot cabochons, round spinels, and lagoon tourmalines extend from the original ornament like a curtain or jeweled fringe. Suspended from a woven silver chain, the necklace carries an early medieval form into the present, combining gravitas with femininity and movement.

• Artifact: Bronze Lombard waist ornament, c. 575–625 AD

• Probable origin: Northern Italy or the Carpathian Basin

• Gems: 24.22 total carats of peridot cabochons; 7.07 total carats of lagoon tourmalines; 3.86 total carats of round spinels

• Metal: 18k yellow gold, preserving the original bronze without alteration; 20th-century silver chain

• Museum Comparables: British Museum, British Museum, The  Met

• Stamped RR on reverse