The Faustina Choker is a tribute to the remarkable Roman empress Faustina the Elder, celebrated for her dignified status as Augusta and her influential deeds. She left an enduring legacy. Faustina was compassionate and empowering, dedicating her life to supporting the less fortunate and advocating for the education of girls in Rome. Her iconic hairstyle, characterised by braids coiled into an elegant bun, set a trend in Roman fashion.
A silver coin, 18 mm in diameter, encased in an 18k yellow gold bezel, is set opposite a gold disk, shimmering with a pavé of 40 silver-grey diamonds of varying sizes. The coin itself, a 12h denarius, features on one side the dignified profile of Faustina, and on the reverse, the figure of Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family. Vesta’s depiction is rare, veiled and regal, holding a simpulum in her right hand and a palladium in her left. She symbolises the warmth and sanctity of domestic life in ancient Rome. The design allows for the coin to be reversed, showcasing Vesta and adding versatility to the choker. Crafted for comfort and elegance, the Faustina Choker is flexible for effortless wearability.
In 140–141 CE, after the early death of his beloved wife, Emperor Antoninus Pius deified Faustina and had new coins minted, ranging from modest bronze to more substantial denominations in silver and gold. All were stamped with her profile and her title DIVA FAVSTINA (“Divine Faustina”). This initiative made everyone, from rich to poor, aware of the importance of the goddess Faustina, spreading her fame across the Roman Empire and reflecting the deep love and admiration of her husband.
This one-of-a-kind creation honours Faustina the Elder’s enduring legacy of compassion, a quality that continue to inspire across centuries. The choker has found its custodian: a remarkable woman whose quiet strength resonates with the timeless virtues of Faustina.
