LATE CLASSICAL PERIOD TO HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.

In ancient Greece, foliate wreaths were fashioned from gold and mimicked natural forms such as laurel, myrtle, olive, and ivy. These gold wreaths were frequently given as prizes for athletic and musical contests, bestowed by the State as a mark of honor. They were also used in religious processions, as funerary decorations and were popular dedicatory offerings made in temples.

For a discussion on wreaths, see Williams and Ogden, Greek Gold: Jewellery of the Classical World, pp. 36-37, where the authors note, “The most elaborate items of jewellery were usually made for the adornment of the head...[These gold wreaths] are known from burials in Macedonia, South Italy, Asia Minor and the North Pontic area” (pp. 36-37 in op. cit.). For an example of complete oak wreath, see nos. 60, op. cit.; for a complete olive wreaths, see no. 105, op. cit.