Medusa with Snake Charm Holder

In Greek and Roman mythology, Medusa was one of the Gorgon sisters with the power to petrify anyone who met her gaze. While initially depicted as a monstrous figure, her representation became progressively more anthropomorphic and feminine over time. By the Greek Classical period, artistic depictions had idealized her into a harmonious, yet lethal, “dangerous beauty”. This iconographic evolution did not diminish her original power, as she was always believed to possess the magical ability to protect against evil.

Channeling ancient myth, this necklace set is centered on a cast coin depicting Medusa. Her powerful, protective gaze serves to ward off evil and guard the wearer against misfortune. Medusa's potent visage is looped onto a serpentine charm holder, which also clasps a vivid blue glass charm added to magnify the apotropaic power of the necklace.

• Ancient Roman denarius cast coin handset in 22K bezel depicting the face of Medusa with disheveled hair flanked by coiled serpents. Aurora, goddess of the dawn, flying with four horses of the sun, is on the coin's reverse. 47 BCE. 
• 16-18 inch adjustable 10K chain with snake-shaped charm holder.
  
• Blue glass pendant set in oxidized silver with 18K bale.