Object Description
An elaborate pair of Roman earrings modelled from electrum and finely embellished with glass paste, pearls and carnelian beads. Both earrings are composed of a wide penannular loop for attachment to the ear, and features a central double arch pendant made from fine filigree work. Each double arch pendant is attached to the hoop by two loop chains and a central attachment comprised of a glass cylindrical bead and a natural pearl. Further attachments hang from the central arch, again comprised of a glass cylindrical bead and two pearls, interspersed with gold granules, arranged in two rows. The central attachment features a large carnelian teardrop stone. These types of earrings were popular in Roman Egypt. As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. As a result of the expansion of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in its designs and materials used, such as precious and semi-precious gemstones.
Weight for the pair: 13.6 g.
Date: Circa 1st BC – 3rd century AD