Anatolia's Bracelet
©2020 by Cynthia Rutledge

The Byzantine Empire era (330 to 1453 AD) was a time of wealth and prosperity. Constantine the Great, the ruler of the Roman Empire, transferred the imperial capitol from Rome to the ancient city of Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople (modern Istanbul). Greco-Roman jewelry making and metalworking traditions were carried over to the new capitol.

Turkey has long since been a nation of many religions, bringing to the table a wide variety of styles and designs in jewelry. The gold trade was very much a part of the Byzantine Empire. Gold jewelry encrusted with gems from Persia and India were available in vast amounts. A description of a woman of Antioch, who was preparing for a religious ceremony, was described as "She was decked out with gold ornaments, pearls and all sorts of precious stones, resplendent in luxurious and expensive clothes. Around her neck were necklaces and strings of pendants and pearls."

The wealth and prosperity enjoyed by many during the early Byzantine era is demonstrated by the expensive jewelry produced during the period. Adornments from the 4th century are seen in paintings, mosaics, ivories, and manuscripts from Egypt, Constantinople, Rome, and France. Over time, they have been excavated at sites throughout the Byzantine world.

Jewelry played a significant role in how people expressed their status. Byzantine royalty loved having their bodies covered in jewelry. From headwear to earrings, necklaces, and body jewelry, these royals would wear as much as possible to show their status.

Anatolia's Bracelet is inspired by the jewelry designs of this amazing period. Cubic Right-Angle-Weave (CRAW) done with True 2's and seed beads form a shaped base for this design. Fine copper patina metal is the base of the center component. Bezeled and embellished with a bezeled CZ, this center component is fabulous! The center focal point leads into Peyote stitched straps embellished with bezeled CZ's and ending in a sliding bar clasp.

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

Workshop length: This is a one-day workshop.

Dimensions: 2 inches tall by desired length. Sample is 6.5 inches long. Kits will accommodate an 8-inch wrist.

Techniques:

• Cubic Right Angle Weave (CRAW)

• Cutting 36 gauge metal and plastic

• Embellishing techniques

• Even count, flat and tubular peyote stitch

• Flat, odd count, step-up/step-down Peyote stitch

• Punching holes in the metal shape