BEE Genuine Greek 24Kt Gold and Silver Pendant 4th Cent. BC

The gold and silver bee, set on a contemporary frame, is dating from around the 4th century BC and belongs to the refined Hellenistic goldsmith tradition, which in that era achieved exceptional technical skill and symbolic depth. 

In ancient Greece — and especially in Ephesus — the bee was a powerful religious symbol connected to the cult of Artemis of Ephesus, one of the most revered deities of the Greek world. The goddess’s priestesses were called Melissae, meaning “bees,” embodying purity, devotion, and harmony with the divine. The bee frequently appears on Ephesian coins, often accompanied by the stag and the palm tree, both attributes of the goddess.

This object may have belonged to a woman of high rank or a priestess, and it likely served as a votive pendant or protective amulet. The combination of gold and silver, along with the fine incisions defining the wings and body, is typical of Hellenistic jewelry from Asia Minor, known for its color contrasts and naturalistic precision.s

The symbolism of the bee in Greek culture is rich and layered: it represents purity, fertility, cosmic order, and renewal. Because of its ability to produce honey — considered the “food of the gods” — the bee also became a symbol of immortality and divine sweetness. From Minoan Crete to Hellenistic Ephesus, the image of the bee endured as one of the oldest and most captivating metaphors linking nature, sacredness, and the feminine.

Our jewelry store, Serra Roma, proudly presents an exquisite collection that beautifully honors the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman civilizations. Each piece in our collection, including authentic ancient Roman and Greek coins and intaglios, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, providing proof of its historical significance and origin.