Western Asiatic Gold, Garnet and Pearl Drop Earrings

£ 850.00

A very fine pair of Western Asiatic gold drop earrings. Each earring consists of a drop pendant formed initially with gold, spiralling wire, followed by a cylindrical tubular bead, decorated with a band of flattened granulation to the centre. Garnet beads follow, faceted to catch the light,flanking a long cylindrical white bead, possibly coral. Another granulated bead follows, with a more spherical garnet bead beneath. The pendant terminates in a hoop, securing iridescent pearls. Open hoops have been added for suspension and wear.

Date: Circa 1st millenium BC
Provenance: Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
Condition: Very fine condition.

In stock

SKU: SK-26 Category: Tags: , ,

Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation, as we can see on this item, along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.

To discover more on ancient metalwork, please see our relevant blog post: Decorative  Metalwork Techniques

Weight 9 g
Dimensions L 8.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Semi-Precious Stones

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