As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used, such as precious and semi-precious gemstones. Loop and crescent-shaped earrings, such as this fine example, were among the most popular styles of earrings worn by Roman women.
To discover more on ancient metalwork, please see our relevant blog post: Decorative Metalwork Techniques