Handmade silver-gold pendant inspired by the ancient Minoan Greek Malia bees pendant. A very impressive, large pendant, reproduction of a Bronze age piece, a reminder of ancient treasures, full of symbolism. A perfect anniversary gift idea for your beloved one. Dimensions Width : 62.50 mm ~~ 2.4" Height : 56 mm ~~ 2.20" Material 925 Sterling Silver and 24K Gold Plating Reference 95.12.03 Minoan Malia Bees - History and Symbolism The Bees pendant is one of the most famous exhibits in the Herakleion Museum, in the island of Crete in Greece. It has been found in the Old Palace cemetery at Chrysolakkos, outside the palace of Malia, the third largest Minoan palace. The pendant dates back to the Bronze Age, to the Protopalatial Period (1800 - 1700 BC) and it's an amazing, very detailed representation of two bees carrying a drop of honey to their honeycomb. This jewelry piece is an evidence of the artist's mastery in the process of faience or granulation, the technique of soldering tiny pieces of metal, on the surface of the cast jewel. Bees have a symbolic and important connotation in many cultures worldwide. Bees were very important in the Minoan, matriarchal civilization. It is believed that the Great Mother of Mother Goddess was related to bees, while honey was used in rituals. As a symbol of the Mother Goddess, bees represent the mutual support and fertility.