Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Wow! This is a gorgeous pair of Roman earrings comprised of 75% gold (equivalent to 18K gold) and 4 garnets. Each earring presents an elaborate design. From top to bottom we have a hemispheric shield with a crimson red garnet surrounded by a beaded bezel at the centers, followed by a teardrop-shaped garnet also surrounded by a beaded border and 3 large granules, each of these granules adorned by a trio of tiny granules, and with 3 more large granules behind. Although the original clasp no longer functions, modern French hooks have been attached so that these earrings are perfectly wearable! Size: 1.375" L (3.5 cm); 1.875" L (4.8 cm) including hook; hemispheres measure ~ .5" in diameter (1.3 cm); stones measure .25" W (0.6 cm) at widest. Total weight: 5.6 grams.

The clusters of granules at the lower end were perhaps intended to represent a grape cluster associated with Bacchus (Greek Dionysos) - the god of the fruit of the vine, wine, as well as fertility, religious rapture, and theatre. As for the hemispheres, while many ancient Roman jewelry designs resembled those of the Greeks and the Egyptians, the hemispheric motif was purely a Roman creation.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#143532

  • Condition: Some bending to hemispheres. A few indentations to hemispheres, larger granules, and original wires. Tiny nicks to garnets at centers of hemispheres. The other garnets look fine. Modern French hooks added to make wearable. All other components are ancient.

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August 6, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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