Roman Gold Earrings with Granules

$505.48

A magnificent matching pair of Roman gold earrings, each comprising a twisted wire shank; ovoid domed plaque with granule; and pyramid of hollow-formed spheres. The excellent working of these beautiful earrings is manifest in the delicate granules of gold and in the twisted wire shank.

Date: Circa 2nd Century AD
Provenance: From an important London collection, acquired in the 1990s.
Condition: Extremely fine condition.

SOLD

SKU: EH-001 Category:

The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, so too did jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate. Different cultural styles from Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and the Orient were all incorporated to reflect Rome’s prosperity as a dominant, conquering city. The wide range of natural resources enabled artisans to create ostentatious jewellery using a diverse selection of materials: this increasingly included sapphires, diamonds, emeralds, garnet and amber from India, and pearls (which were particularly prized). Archaeological finds of Roman jewellery are relatively rare, considering the magnitude of Roman civilisation, and the historical and geographical span of the Empire.

 

Weight 1.3 g
Dimensions L 2 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991.