Silver and gold diadem from the tomb of Philip II

The silver and gold that was used to make King Philip II’s diadem would have originally been mined, processed, and then shipped to a jeweler or expert artisan.

The adhesion of gold with the use of heat helps promote interdiffusion with the underlying metals which usually consist of silver or copper.

[3] While examining the diadem the most notable feature is the Herakles knot located on the front imitating a cloth headband.

On each side of the Herakles knot the metal makes a weave like pattern, continuing the cloth headband imagery.

While the current diameter is 25 cm, the diadem was made to be adjustable with the two ends that fit into a smaller section in the back.