Object Description
Ancient Roman gold lyre-shape earrings. A matching pair of yellow gold earrings, each vertically set with a cylindrical iridescent glass bead, to a beaded wire lyre shape with curling arms to top, fitted at reverse with a secure integrated shepherd’s hook, approximately 2.8cm in length. Tested yellow gold, approximately 3.4g in weight, circa 2nd-3rd century AD.
The lyre was a stringed musical instrument, similar in appearance to a harp.
Complete matching earrings such as these are a rare survival from the ancient world. These earrings are a testament to the high level of skill of the craftsmen of the time and are in fine condition commensurate with their age.