Greek Key Pattern, Labyrinth, Maze, Key Pattern, and Fret

The Greek Key pattern has been known by many different names - the Greek fret, Greek key, Labyrinth, Maze and Key patterns to name a few!

The pattern is a highly desirable motif in Antique Georgian Jewelry and collectors who invest in Georgian Jewelry usually like to have an authentic example as it is commemorative of the late Georgian period.

Greek key patterns were sometimes incorporated into Georgian jewels in the late Georgian period and may occur around the bezel of a ring, or a running ornamental design of repeated symmetrical figures often contained in a band somewhere on the silver or goldwork like in this antique sterling silver rigid bracelet.

Antique Jewelry with the Greek key motif is becoming increasingly harder to find - Antique jewelry collectors just don't like parting with them!

This beautiful antique jewelry bracelet embossed with the Greek key pattern was crafted a little later than Georgian period and is an early Victorian example, Ref No: 333 is available for purchase, POA. (Sorry, it's already SOLD) Please quote the reference number when using the contact form.

In Greek mythology and art, the centaur had the torso of a person combined with the body of a horse.

It is also known as a running ornament or 'meander' when the design is continuous or intertwined as foliage meanders.

If the decoration forms interlaced patterns it is know as Guilloche and is found in Classical Greek and Roman architecture including georgian revival, Greek revival, Neoclassicism and Second Empire.

In Europe it was the dominant style of architecture during the 18th century.

And this style of architecture also influenced and was reflected in the jewelry of the time.

The design is sometimes called the "meander" motif when used in architecture; referring to the river "Meander" in Anatolia in Turkey.

In the photograph below is a pavement in the streets of Rhodes, made from beach stones, in the "meander" pattern. This is the work of Hannes Grobe, who kindly permitted Antique Jewelry Investor to reproduce this image.

There were also curved or angular variations of the same key patterns.

The spiral meander motifs have a long history in the Mediterranean.

They are very old motifs and occur in the earliest farming communities in Anatolia in the six millennium BC and as a major motifs in pottery decoration throughout Neolithic Europe.These patterns are today closely associated with Greek art and architecture.

During the Georgian neoclassical movement when Europe was having a revival in classical Greece, the Greek key pattern above all others signified Greek style and taste.

The connection with water persisted into Roman times when the motif was frequently used on mosaic floors in bath houses.

Georgian jewels with the Greek key pattern are highly desirable and you will generally pay more for Antique Jewelry on which this pattern is present. It is also found on mens jewelry today.

Men have been wearing jewelry at least as long as women, but usually for different reasons. Whereas women’s jewelry is meant to adorn and enhance the wearer’s beauty, men’s jewelry has traditionally been worn as a status symbol, badge of rank, or even in recognition of achievement.

When it comes to men’s wedding bands, there are several options available, but few consist of the plain gold band of yesteryear. Popular motifs now include Celtic knot work patterns, Greek key designs, Arabic geometric patters and even abstract designs. Often, these are engraved into the band.

Return to the top of Greek Key Pattern

Return to Georgian Jewelry

Return to Antique Jewelry Investor Homepage