It is not only the warm patina of the gold or the luster of the stones that draw collectors to ancient jewelry, but the aura of history that these unique pieces bear. In addition to Christie’s December 9 sale in the category, several antiquities galleries are mounting selling exhibitions this month that prominently feature jewelry. These seasonal shows offer pieces with enduring appeal, such as a ring bearing the likeness of a god or a necklace that may have been worn by a Roman noblewoman.

“Ancient Treasures” at Antiquarium Fine Ancient Arts in New York showcases a pair of museum-quality Greek gold earrings, below left, from the end of the 5th to the early 4th century B.C., priced in the low six figures. Gallery inventory also includes earrings starting at $1,500, rings from $5,000 and necklaces from $7,500.

Fortuna Fine Arts, in New York, is highlighting its extensive jewelry inventory in a catalogued exhibition, “The Muse’s Song,” on view through February 28. Some 30 examples will be available, including a 2nd- to 3rd-century gold ring with a carnelian intaglio depicting Apollo for $7,500, and a 2nd-century Roman gold-bead necklace with a garnet and pearl pendant, above, for $25,000.

Through December 19, a varied selection of adornments will be shown at Rupert Wace Ancient Art, in London. Highlights include a pair of 3rd- to 5th-century Roman gold pendant earrings for £1,500 ($3,000) and a 2nd century Roman gold and nicolo-intaglio ring, below right, engraved with the figure of Theseus holding the sword of his father, Aegeus, for £6,800 ($12,700). "Past is Present" originally appeared in the December 2008 issue of Art+Auction. For a complete list of articles from this issue available on ARTINFO, see Art+Auction's December 2008 Table of Contents.