Many ancient Greek and Byzantine golden jewels began being sold to the best buyer on Thursday at Christie’s Auction House in London. On the first day of this "smelly" auction a Greek myrtle wreath dated from the Hellenistic Period was apparently sold for over £181,000. The seller is unknown, as is the buyer.
The wreath, which is dated in the Hellenistic period (circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.), is composed of four hinged gold bands which are rounded on the exterior and flat on the interior. Each one of these are decorated separately with long spear-shaped leaves with a central midrib, and adorned with fruit on delicate wire stems. They contain detailed filigree calyx, while the terminals are composed of beaded and twisted wire bands. It has a row of tongues with twisted wire borders, three acanthus leaves with serrated edges and two laurel leaves with beaded borders that have modern loops and an S-clasp closure.
Editor's Note - These items are priceless and no auction house in the world can place a price tag on items that are dated over 2,500 years. The price is ludicrous if one considers the work, and the uniqueness of this piece. These items belong to the Greek state and not some rich "wanna-be" who wants to enrich his or her collection. Our nation has been looted enough!