Women
While the heroic subjects are not forgotten, the new role of gems as jewellery, no doubt usually worn by women, encourages many new subjects depicting naked or near-naked women, Aphrodite types which might flatter the wearer.
Blue chalcedony scaraboid. A naked woman struggles into (out of?) her dress.
Oxford, Ashmolean Museum 1892.1486, from Spezia. 23mm. GGFR no. 550.
Cornelian scarab. A naked woman kneeling with her arms crossed over her breasts.
Private collection. Probably western Greek. 17x13x9mm. Hoop 20x23mm.
Chalcedony scaraboid. A naked nymph plays with heron, a flying ant above them.
London, Walters no. 531. 21mm. GGFR no. 482
Rock crystal scaraboid. A woman playing a harp (trigonon). Attributed to Dexamenos.
London, Walters no. 529. 32mm. GGFR no.55