Ornate Roman Electrum Earrings

GBP 2,750.00

Contact Dealer To Purchase

Object Description

A beautiful pair of Roman earrings made from electrum and semi-precious stones. Composed of a large hoop for attachment to the ear, the earrings feature a central double arch pendant made from fine filigree work. They are attached to the hoop by two loop chains and a central attachment comprised of a glass oblong bead and a natural pearl. Further attachments hang from the central arch, again comprised of an oblong glass bead and two pearls, interspersed with filigree work. The central attachment features a large amethyst teardrop stone.

Pearls and amethysts were gemstones favoured by the Roman upper class. Teardrop pendants of the latter were used for earrings, necklaces and jewelled collars. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning sober. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, the amethyst gemstone was associated with the god of wine, Dionysus. Pliny classifies the mineral into five kinds, according to its colour, which ranged from a deep purple to nearly colourless. He also mentions some of its falsely ascribed attributes: that amethyst prevented drunkenness, protected against spells and warded off hail and locusts.

Date: Circa 2nd – 3rd century AD

Object Condition

Very fine.

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)208 364 4565
Mobile
+44 (0)7833231322
Web
Email

Dealer Location

The Gallery
Trent Park Equestrian Centre
Eastpole Farm House, Bramley Road
Oakwood, N14 4UW, United Kingdom

St James's Ancient Art
10 Charles II Street, Ground Floor
St James
London
SW1Y 4AA

View Map