Oak Leaves Bracelet, 24K Gold Plated

Oak leaves bracelet, 24 carat gold plated. This handmade piece of jewelry is inspired by the leaves of the oak wreath of King Philip II of Macedonia, found in his tomb in Vergina. The exquisitely crafted wreath of Philip II dates back to the 4th century BC and consists of 313 oak leaves and 68 acorns. The oak was the sacred tree of Olympian Zeus, while golden oak wreaths are often found as funerary offerings in ancient royal tombs in Macedonia and Asia Minor.

Weight: 20 g
Dimensions (LxHxW): 7 cm x 1.8 cm
Gross Weight: 50 g
Includes: Gift Wrapping - Description Greek & English
Region: Macedonia
Material: 24K Gold Plated (Nickel Free) Solid Brass
Date: 4th century BC

The golden oak wreath of Philip II was discovered by the Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos in the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, which consists of two rooms. The wreath was found inside a sarcophagus, along with the king's cremated bones. Philip II's funeral in 336 BC was held in Aigai. The tomb is located in Vergina, a small town 75 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki.

Apparently, the dead king was wearing the wreath when his body was given over to the flames of the funeral pyre, and for this reason the wreath underwent some changes, mainly in the central part. The golden wreath, now composed of 313 oak leaves and 68 acorns, is an elaborate work of art, convincingly imitating the branches and acorns of the oak, which was the sacred tree of Zeus. The wreath weighs 717 grams and is one of the largest and heaviest gold wreaths in existence, as well as one of the most valuable ever made.

The wreath is on display at the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, in Vergina.