Description:

Roman, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Stunning 24 karat solid gold Roman earrings, each one representing a shield with danglers of red and green ancient glass. The shields have a fine rope-patterned border, and the design projects outward resolving in a tiny spherical orb to create depth. What may appear to be purely decorative at first glance, is definitely more nuanced. The shields were intended to protect the lady wearing these earrings. Roman jewelry was oftentimes imbued with symbolism and imagery of gods or goddesses or more literal devices for safeguarding such as shields in this case were chosen for their protective power. Beyond this symbolic iconography, the beauty and bright yellow hues of the gold complemented by the translucent red and green glass danglers indicates that these earrings were worn for adornment and displayed an awareness of fashion, wealth, and status. When suspended from ear, measures 1-5/8" long Provenance: Ex-Private East Coast collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #95107

  • Condition: A few tiny, nearly invisible dimples in the shield. Else intact and near choice.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 24, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000