Parthian Gold Earrings with Garnet and Hardstones

$2,141.99

An extremely fine and elaborate matching pair of Parthian high karat gold earrings, each featuring a hinged strap hoop, a globular body and a reversed tear-drop shaped pendant. The body of each earrings comprises a hollow, large gold bead, embellished by cabochon garnet insets of circular and tear-drop shapes. Further embellishments include stylised daisies, rendered thorough small gold granules. Daisy-like ornaments and fillers were a popular decorative motif since the Hellenistic period. Each garnet medallion has been framed by a delicate twisting gold wire. The central gold bead extends to a reversed tear drop shaped hollow gold pendant, featuring a coiled gold wire at its end, and a band of red insets, possibly glass paste or coral, at its top. Each pendant is further enriched by a cluster of gold granules. These superb earrings witness the absolute mastery of Parthian goldsmiths.

Date: Circa 2nd-4th Century AD
Condition: Extremely fine, suitable for modern wear with care. Two small stones missing from lower part of pendant. Consult a professional jeweller for alterations.

SOLD

SKU: CS-301 Category: Tags: ,

Parthia is the historical region located in north-eastern Iran, where the Parthian Empire ruled between 247 BC and 224 AD. Parthian art has a rich art heritage and encompassed a variety of media including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and sculpture. Most of what we know about this ancient empire is derived from numismatics, as not many historical records regarding it have survived to this day and most of its artwork is lost. The surviving examples of jewelry from this culture demonstrate a great mastery of metalworking techniques, especially goldsmith art, along with the employment of precious stones, as is visible on this beautiful example.

Weight 12.4 g
Dimensions H 4 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Semi-Precious Stones