Renaissance silver necklace, Germanu second half of the 16th centur

A silver necklace composed of a shortened Renaissance marriage belt.

German, second half of the 16th century.

Measures 49 cm long.

Weighs 110 grams.

The chain comprises of interlinking flat loops with pierced spacers decorated with Renaissance motifs, winged telamon and ‘jewels’.

The belt, also known as a Sivlonot were a German Jewish tradition dating from the 16th century, when silver or gold chains were sent as a gift by the bridegroom to his future bride. They were worn under the bridal canopy and throughout the following week, then often brought out again for holidays and ceremonial occasions.