Junyi Wu, 2026

Composed of precious stones of sapphires, emeralds, and pearls, this necklace is surely considered as a “luxury art” that has been through the hands of master artisans. It is no wonder that such a luxury necklace was reserved for imperial use, symbolized the identities of elite, and imperial presents. 

Though the old Republican Rome might have considered luxury art with little utility in a negative way, as time moves on to the early Byzantine era, the definition of Luxury art has transformed as gifts from the divine God. The import and export of luxury and precious materials became strictly regulated by the officials.

The necklace like this was out of reach of the civilian world. Yet it is worthwhile to pause for a second before imagining it as just an object sitting still in the aloof Byzantine palace. Sure it might have been adored by someone of royal or elite origin for its gentle and beautiful texture, but the creation of such a necklace might well be driven by a desire for display and a more ambitious goal of expressing superiority of the prosperous Byzantine culture to its neighbors.