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Ancient Mediterranean

Necklace with Amulets

1st-4th century
Glass
50.2 × 3.2 cm (19.8 × 1.3 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome to create tableware and containers for oils and perfume. Glass was also used in jewelry as an economical substitute for more expensive precious or semi-precious stones. This necklace also includes magic amulets, believed both to ward off evil and to guarantee good luck.

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