Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A pair of elegant 83% gold earrings (equivalent to 20K) with a delicate natural pearl hanging from a simple gold loop clasp that widens into a diamond form at its nadir. These earrings would have belonged to an elite Roman woman. Roman women - especially of the upper classes - had their ears pierced and wore one set of earrings. Jewelry was particularly important to women in Roman society because it was legally their own property, independent of their husband's wealth, and they could use it as they saw fit. Size: 1" W (2.5 cm); 83% gold (equivalent to 20K); total weight of both together: 4 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. 27.
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. 27; ex-Madame Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1970s
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#146283
Condition
Loops are slightly bent and clasps no longer function; otherwise in beautiful condition. Could be made wearable by a professional jeweler.