Roman Marble Greek "Green Porphyry" Sterling Silver Pendant

This sterling silver pendant showcases a fragment of an ancient Roman marble known as green porphyry from Greece, referred to by the ancient Roman marble workers as "Serpentino." These fragments originate from the adornments of Emperors' villas, where they were employed to enhance both floors and walls. The Green Porphyry, or "Serpentino," exhibits irregular spots of light green or yellow, and its quarries were situated along the Sparta road. Its usage in Rome dates back to the Augustan age, gaining imperial status with the final Flavian emperors. Esteemed for its great value, Serpentino became widely popular and appreciated during this period.

In the city of Rome, Serpentino was initially employed in the Augustan age, and with the reign of the last of the Flavian emperors, it attained the status of imperial property. This marble, distinguished by its irregular light green or yellow spots, originated from quarries located along the Sparta road. The material was highly regarded for its decorative qualities and found extensive use in embellishing surfaces like floors and walls within the villas of emperors. Its imperial association added to its prestige, making Serpentino a marble of considerable value that enjoyed widespread popularity and appreciation.