Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. This is a gorgeous, matched pair of basket shaped earrings, each inlaid with red glass. The earrings are hammered and folded from sheets of 69% (equivalent to 16K+) gold into a boat or basket shape, complete with hammered texture on the convex bottom like woven reeds. The rim is folded downward, creating a smooth lip around the hollow interior, before tapering to a thick wire that arches across the top of the body. Originally this wire would pass through the wearer's earlobe to secure the jewelry in place. These earrings have been outfitted with modern 14K gold plated sterling silver ear hooks and jump ring to make these earrings fully wearable and preserving the strength of the original wire! Just below on the tips of both ends are a pair of ruby-red glass discs, inlaid in circular bezels that complement the gold. Size: 0.75" L x 0.65" W (1.9 cm x 1.7 cm); gold quality: 69%; silver quality: 28%; total weight: 3 grams
Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#151695
Condition
Minor nicks to rim and remains of a red pigment on the textured body. Tiny indentations to body and wire, otherwise excellent. Matched pair and wearable with modern gold plated ear hooks.