The Mainz gold jewellery, formerly better known as the so-called “Gisela jewellery” or “Jewelry of the Empress Agnes“ has been considered one of the main works of medieval European goldsmithing for decades. The exciting stories surrounding the individual finds, the extremely wealthy collector Baron Maximilian von Heyl or even the later acquisition of the treasure by Kaiser Wilhelm II and the subsequent handover of the Heyl collection to what later became the Bode Museum in Berlin are still fascinating today.
In addition to the world famous eagle fibula, the big gold hump fibula and the rare necklace, another object stands out above all in terms of the enormous quality of the goldsmith's work: a gold one Crescent Earring, which was discovered in 1904 during demolition work in the area of the former Mainz Stadionerhof barracks at a depth of four meters together with a Byzantine gold coin. The latest investigations even suggest the existence of a former imperial palace in the middle of the city of Mainz.
This outstanding gold earring was our model for a Quote this remarkable medieval piece of jewellery in the form of a necklace made of gold-plated silver.
As always, it was particularly important to us to achieve the greatest possible level of detail when reproducing this historical piece of jewelry. Since all or at least some of the gemstones on the original earring from the "Gisela jewelry" are probably later additions, we also took the liberty of reinterpreting the gemstone jewelry on the medieval earring for our pendant version: two blood-red rubies and a precious emerald in the center of the pendant. We also added the lower pearl ring, which was missing on the original, using real seed pearls.
All details of the pendant were painstakingly made individually by hand over a period of four weeks: the foundation made of silver sheet with authentic filigree decoration on the back of the pendant, the decorative wave bands around the earring, the settings of the pearls with cord wire borders as well as the three gemstone settings with additional eyelet claws, the many tiny "beehives" made of corded wire - even every single bead for the two finely granulated humps on the left and right of our pendant.
From our – completely immodest 😉 – point of view, this is how a unique goldsmith replica was created, which is in no way inferior to the medieval charm and enchanting charisma of the original earring from the “Gisela jewelry”.
Interesting facts about the so-called "Gisela jewelry"
The so-called “Mainz Gisela jewelry” is an important ensemble of medieval goldsmithing that impresses not only with its artistic design, but also with its complex history of discovery and the scientific discussions surrounding its authenticity and origin. Named after Empress Gisela (984/85–1060), the wife of Emperor Conrad II, this jewelry ensemble is considered an exemplary testimony to the Ottonian period. Although the attribution to Gisela has not been conclusively proven, the jewelry testifies to the craftsmanship and cultural wealth of the Middle Ages.
Discovery and Historical Classification
The history of Mainz Gisela jewelry begins in 1880, when an extraordinary piece of jewelry, a large gold brooch, was discovered during construction work in Mainz. This find featured an elaborately designed depiction of a peacock or eagle, a symbolic figure that was important in both Christian and secular art of the Middle Ages. In the years that followed, other pieces of jewelry appeared at art dealers in the region, including gold earrings, necklaces, rings, and a smaller eagle brooch. The exact origin of these pieces, however, remained unclear for a long time. Early information about the find locations varied between different areas in and around Mainz, making it difficult to reconstruct the original context of the jewelry.
A large part of the pieces were eventually acquired by Baron Maximilian von Heyl, a well-known art collector of the time. The ensemble was later presented to the Berlin art historian Wilhelm von Bode, who promptly declared the collection to be jewelry belonging to Empress Gisela. This attribution brought great fame to the find, although it was based more on conjecture than on solid evidence.
The meaning of the name
The name "Gisela jewelry" is based on the assumption that the jewelry could be the property of Empress Gisela, who was considered one of the most influential women of her time. She was known for her close ties to the church and her support of art. However, there is no direct evidence that the jewelry actually belonged to Gisela. Nevertheless, the attribution was a significant step in placing the collection in a larger historical context and giving it cultural and symbolic significance.
Arts and Crafts and Symbolism
The Mainz Gisela jewelry includes a total of 21 pieces of jewelry that impress with their elaborate workmanship and stylistic diversity. Particularly noteworthy are:
1. The large eagle or peacock brooch: This main piece of the ensemble is dated to the 10th to early 11th century. It is made of gold and decorated with precious stones, pearls and glass inlays. The brooch shows a hybrid creature that, depending on the interpretation, is interpreted as an eagle or a peacock. Both animals had a symbolic meaning in the Middle Ages: the eagle was considered a symbol of rulership, while the peacock was seen as a symbol of immortality and the Christian faith.
2. The smaller eagle brooch: This piece is similarly ornate, but less prominent than the large fibula. It may have been worn as part of a pair and also features rich gemstone decoration.
3. Gold earrings and necklaces: These pieces show influences from Byzantine goldsmithing, indicating the extensive cultural and economic connections of the Holy Roman Empire. Particularly noteworthy is a crescent-shaped earring, which is typical of the Mediterranean region in its shape and decoration.
4. Rings with engravings and gemstones: Some of the rings in the ensemble have finely crafted engravings and stones that may have had magical or religious meanings. Such pieces of jewelry were often worn not only as ornaments, but also as protective or blessing amulets.
The discussion about authenticity
Since its discovery, the Mainz Gisela jewelry has repeatedly led to scientific controversy. As early as the late 19th century, the unity of the ensemble was questioned. Some experts suspected that not all of the jewelry pieces were from the same era and that some could possibly be later additions or even forgeries from the 19th century. This was supported above all by stylistic differences and variations in workmanship.
Modern research, including analysis of the materials used and manufacturing techniques, has shown that the pieces actually date from different periods. While some objects can be dated unequivocally to the 10th to 12th centuries, others show signs of later manufacture. These findings raise the question of whether the jewelry originally existed as a unified set or whether it is a collection assembled over the centuries.
provenance research and modern analyses
In recent decades, numerous scientific studies have been carried out to better understand the origin and authenticity of the jewelry. Among other things, the Rathgen Research Laboratory of the Berlin State Museums used non-invasive analytical methods to determine the chemical composition of the gold and gemstones. These analyses were able to provide clues about the origin of the materials and the techniques used.
A significant aspect of the research was the finding that some of the gemstones and enamel work indicate Byzantine or Oriental influences. This suggests that the jewellery is not only a testament to local craftsmanship, but also reflects the international connections of medieval Europe.
Exhibitions and Public Perception
The Mainz Gisela jewelry has been shown in numerous exhibitions over the years, most recently in the Hessian State Museum in Darmstadt. There, the pieces of jewelry were presented in the context of their historical and artistic significance. An exhibition in 2017 was particularly dedicated to the exciting history of the jewelry's creation and discovery and also addressed questions of authenticity and provenance.
The public perception of the Mainz Gisela jewelry is closely linked to its attribution to Empress Gisela. This connection gives the pieces an aura of something special and historical, even if the scientific evidence for this relationship is not clear. Nevertheless, the jewelry remains an impressive testament to medieval craftsmanship and an important example of the complex cultural interrelationships of the Ottonian period.
Conclusion
The Mainz Gisela jewelry is a fascinating example of medieval art and culture that goes far beyond its aesthetic qualities. It tells a story of craftsmanship, cultural connections and a fascination with the Middle Ages that continues to the present day. Although questions about the authenticity and unity of the ensemble remain, the jewelry remains a significant object of art history that excites both researchers and the public. With modern analysis methods and further provenance research, the Mainz Gisela jewelry will remain an exciting field of research in the future and offer insights into the world of medieval nobility and goldsmithing.