Agamemnon brooch pendant

When Heinrich Schliemann found this piece during his excavations at Mycenae in 1878, he is said to have exclaimed: 'I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon'. Since then, it has been known as 'Agamemnon's death mask', and it is significant as a symbol of Mycenaean wealth.

The original is in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. There continues to be discussion about the date of the original piece, with the majority consensus being that it dates to ca 16th century BCE, around 400 years before the era of the mythical Trojan War and King Agamemnon. It might even have belonged to an earlier king of Mycenae.

It is a thin sheet of hammered gold, in the repoussé technique and you can see stylised facial hair, a 'waxed' moustache, ears, and almond shaped eyes. Small holes near the ears indicate that the mask was attached directly onto the face of the deceased.

It has been a privilege to work with the Vaphiadis family since 2007. They are one of the best manufacturers of sterling silver jewellery in Greece.

The collection is inspired by ancient Greek silver and gold coins, the art and jewellery of the Minoan civilisation, familiar symbolic motifs and images, and the animals that played a significant part in ancient Greek culture.

Due to the tragic, sudden death in early 2025 of Ioannis Vaphiadis, who made all this beautiful jewellery, the family's jewellery production has ceased.

This is all the remaining stock that I have. Ioannis was only in his late 50s, was such a lovely man and a dear friend.

I was so lucky to work closely with him for 19 years.If you already have a piece of his jewellery, cherish it.