Two Splendid Pairs of Gold Earrings

Sale: CNG 81, Lot: 1458. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2009.  Sold For $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gold earrings. Roman, circa 3rd century AD. Each with openwork shield, decorated with rosette with central pearl. Ornate plate attached to shield, with hoops for three pendants set with gold-bezeled garnets and pearls. Length: 4.7 cm. Wonderfully preserved. Highly attractive and wearable.

On this type of gold openwork, see Aimilia Yeroulanou, Diatrita, pierced-work gold jewelry from the 3rd to the 7th century (Athens: Benaki Museum, 1999), which contains a number of comparable earrings.