2nd-1st century BC. A substantial gold disc brooch with chains and pendants; the shield comprising a sheet-gold panel with applied granules to the rim and beaded filigree guilloche, beaded gold wire collar enclosing a band of omega-shaped filigree appliqué, triangular granulated clusters with domed bosses and four piriform cells set with garnet cabochons, central garnet or imitation in a setting with granulated claws; to the lower rim, seventeen loops each with a gold wire ending in a sphere and lunate finial with beaded wire border, looped ends with inset granules. 38.61 grams total (857 grams total including box), 11cm (box: 20 x 20cm) (4 1/4 (8 x 8)"). Formerly in the M. Velensky collection, London, UK, 1990s; accompanied by a copy of a seven page examination report number 66/2008 by Dr. habil Mikhail Treister dated 8 December 2008, and an expertise from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 180221/FD; an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no. 8724/07/12/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10433-168724. Dr. Treister writes: 'This rare brooch with its rich variety of filigree, granulation and garnet inlays in a good state of preservation ....is one of the finest known examples of the Kuban style in jewellery.'