History of Classical Jewelry

Throughout Classical Antiquity jewelry making was considered an art equal in value and importance to painting, sculpture and architecture. Among the ancient Etruscans and in Greece, Rome and Byzantium craftsmen developed a repertoire of techniques using high karat gold and gemstones to create works of personal adornment whose quality has never been exceeded. These pieces can be found in museums and private collections throughout the world, but with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and mass production techniques employed by ancient jewelry makers all but disappeared.

Nanci Modica is one of a small number of artisans who carry on the Classical jewelry tradition today, creating wearable pieces which seamlessly mix classical with contemporary style.