Roman Shield Boss Gold Earrings

£ 895.00

An elaborate pair of Ancient Roman gold earrings, each modelled in high karat gold and featuring a discoid body. The earrings are comprised of a large central shield boss disc which leads to an elaborate pendant composed of a cluster of three large, hollow gold beads, enriched by fine gold granules. The reverse of the earrings features a flattened band, acting as an attachment loop, decorated with a fine rope pattern.

Date: Circa 1st-3rd Century AD
Provenance: From the collection of a Japanese gentleman, deceased (1970-2010); collected in the 1990s.
Condition: Fine condition, slight crack to one of the large boss shields and slight damage to the hollow balls. Suitable for modern wear with care.

SOLD

SKU: GL-33 Category: Tags: ,

As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. As a result of the expansion of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in its designs and materials used, such as precious and semi-precious gemstones. Roman jewellery often reflected the culture the Romans came into contact with, and can be viewed as a testament to the prosperity and power of the Roman Empire. Disc shaped earrings, presented either in simple or more elaborate forms, as seen here, were a distinctive trait of Ancient Roman goldsmith art.

Weight 4.03 g
Dimensions L 3.8 x W 1.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For similar: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, item 08.251.5, .6

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