Near East/Western Asia, Parthia or possibly Eastern Roman, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A matching pair of incredibly ornate, exotic-looking earrings, made from 75% gold (equivalent to 18K) and each studded with seven ovoid, wine red garnets. Each is composed of three levels: a thick loop with applied granulations which was the original clasp, held in place by gold pins and with a hinge, as well as an inlaid garnet on one side; a middle level of a thick, spherical ball covered in granulations with six inlaid garnets; and a third level that resembles a chandelier with a gold sheet claw holding five large granulations, each decorated with additional tiny granulations. Each with a modern gold plated loop. Size: 0.8" W x 2" H (2 cm x 5.1 cm); 75% gold (equivalent to 18K); total weight of both: 17.7 g
Exhibited in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", February 1 - March 31, 2019, Academy Art Museum, Maryland, USA, published in the exhibition guide by Sarah E. Cox and Anke Van Wagenberg, fig. 21.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; Exhibited in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", February 1 - March 31, 2019, Academy Art Museum, Maryland, USA, published in the exhibition guide by Sarah E. Cox and Anke Van Wagenberg, fig. 21; ex-Madame Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s
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#146277
Condition
Loops are modern; the rest is ancient. Very slight bending to form and light deposits, more on one than the other. Clasps are frozen in place and not functional. Garnets in excellent condition. Wearable!