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Monete Pendant Necklace
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90 / 100
ProductScore
Materials: 18K yellow gold, ancient Roman coin, diamonds
View on Bulgari →The Verdict
The Bulgari Monete Pendant Necklace is a truly unique offering in luxury jewelry — an authentic ancient Roman coin set within 18K yellow gold and framed with diamonds. It is a piece that bridges two millennia of craftsmanship, combining genuine archaeological heritage with Bulgari's contemporary luxury. At $5,600, it offers something no other major jeweler can match — a wearable piece of history.
Score Breakdown
What Customers Say
Based on 1,640 mentions across social media and review platforms
The Monete collection generates fascination for its use of authentic ancient coins. Social media discussions focus on the remarkable concept of wearing genuine Roman artifacts as modern luxury jewelry. The uniqueness factor is the strongest draw, with each piece being genuinely one-of-a-kind due to the individual ancient coin.
"My Monete pendant contains a coin from the reign of Emperor Hadrian. I'm wearing a piece of history that's nearly 2,000 years old, set in modern Bulgari gold. Nothing else in my collection has this kind of depth and meaning."
Reddit r/jewelry
"The concept behind Monete is extraordinary — authentic ancient coins given new life in contemporary luxury settings. The diamond frame elevates the coin beautifully, and the 18K gold chain is substantial and well-made. A true conversation piece."
Trustpilot
"Fascinating concept but you're paying luxury jewelry prices for what is essentially a coin in a gold frame. The ancient coins themselves can be purchased for $50-200 at auction. The Bulgari setting and brand are doing all the heavy lifting here."
Reddit r/FinancialAdvice
"Unique and beautifully executed. Each Monete piece is different because each coin is unique, which adds collectible appeal. The gold work framing the coin is excellent. Not for everyone aesthetically, but utterly original."
Google Reviews
"This is the most interesting piece of jewelry I own. When people ask about it and I tell them it contains a real Roman coin, the reaction is always incredible. It's luxury jewelry that tells a story no other piece can tell."
Instagram comment
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- + Genuinely unique — each piece contains an authentic ancient coin
- + Bridges two millennia of craftsmanship in a single piece
- + Exceptional conversation piece with deep historical significance
- + Diamond framing elevates the presentation with modern luxury sparkle
- + Represents Bulgari's unique Roman DNA unlike any other luxury house
Trade-offs
- − Ancient coins are aesthetically rough compared to polished jewelry elements
- − The concept may not appeal to those seeking traditional luxury aesthetics
- − Difficult to evaluate value given the unique nature of each piece
- − Ancient coins are fragile and must be handled carefully
Specifications
| Metal | 18K yellow gold |
| Centerpiece | Authentic ancient Roman coin (varies by piece) |
| Diamonds | Round brilliant frame (approximately 0.25 carats total) |
| Pendant Size | Approximately 25mm diameter (varies by coin) |
| Chain Length | 17 inches |
| Chain Type | Rolo link chain |
| Clasp | Lobster with Bulgari hallmark |
| Authenticity | Each coin verified by numismatic experts |
Alternatives to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the coins in Monete jewelry authentic?
Is each Monete piece unique?
How should I care for a Monete piece?
Full Review
Wearing History
The Monete collection is one of the most conceptually audacious offerings in all of luxury jewelry. Bulgari — a maison founded in Rome and steeped in Roman cultural heritage — takes authentic ancient coins, some nearly two millennia old, and sets them in contemporary 18K gold frames embellished with diamonds. The result is not merely jewelry but a tangible connection to antiquity, a piece that allows its wearer to carry a fragment of the Roman Empire on their chest.
The Coins
Each Monete pendant features a genuine ancient coin, typically Roman bronze or silver, selected for its historical significance and visual quality. Coins may feature portraits of emperors — Augustus, Hadrian, Constantine — or depictions of gods, temples, and symbolic imagery. The natural patina of age is preserved, giving each coin a distinctive character that no modern manufacturing process could replicate. Bulgari’s numismatic experts authenticate and document each coin’s provenance before it enters the workshop.
Contemporary Framing
Bulgari’s contribution to the Monete equation is the gold and diamond frame that transforms an archaeological artifact into a luxury jewel. The 18K yellow gold bezel is carefully designed to hold the coin securely while allowing maximum visibility of its features. A border of round brilliant diamonds adds contemporary luxury sparkle that contrasts beautifully with the coin’s ancient, matte surface. The chain is substantial and well-proportioned, ensuring the pendant hangs at an attractive angle.
The Value of Uniqueness
Evaluating the Monete’s value requires considering factors beyond standard jewelry metrics. The ancient coin itself may have modest numismatic value, but its integration into a Bulgari setting creates something that cannot be replicated or compared directly to other pieces. For collectors who prize uniqueness and meaningful narrative in their jewelry, the Monete offers something no other luxury house can match — a piece that is literally one-of-a-kind and carries thousands of years of human history within its frame.
