The earrings are each composed of a gold wire hoop with a short chain from which is suspended a circular bezel inlaid with turquoise glass. Beneath this are two small...
The earrings are each composed of a gold wire hoop with a short chain from which is suspended a circular bezel inlaid with turquoise glass. Beneath this are two small pearl pendants flanking a central gold teardrop shaped bead with a pearl and tear-drop shaped amethyst pendant below. The earrings are stable and wearable. Some of the pearls have been replaced and the ancient Roman glass inlays may have been reset.
UK private collection, acquired at Astarte Gallery, London, in the 1990s
Literature
Colourful earrings with large stones of drop form were popular in the Byzantine world. For similar construction and large amethyst stones see The Walters Art Museum, acc. no. VO.66 (57.560, 57.561).