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Grape-shaped earrings of the Roman period – triangular pendant with pearls

This post is about a particular type of earrings from Roman times that appear to be a simplified, schematic, version of grape-shaped earrings.

Gold earring with carnelian and pearls, 2nd-3rd century. Cyprus
© Museum of Cycladic Art, Inv. no. Ζ0463

On the left <- Gold earring, one of a pair, with carnelian and pearls, 2nd-3rd century, Cyprus. Length 4.5 cm.
Museum of Cycladic Art

Earring composed of a rectangular box setting with carnelian, and a triangular pendant decorated with rows of gold wires with pearls strung on them. Such earrings were found in 2nd-3rd century tombs at Larnaca, Cyprus.

Gold earring with carnelian and pearls, 2nd-3rd century. Cyprus,
Museum of Cycladic Art
Gold earrings with carnelian and white pearls
© The Trustees of the British Museum 1917,0601.2402
© The Trustees of the British Museum 1917,0601.2403

Pair of similar earrings is in the collection of the British Museum. From Larnaca, Cyprus, 3rd century

“across the front of the triangle is a series of parallel gold wires, perhaps for stringing beads or pearls now missing; a bead (now missing) was suspended from the inverted apex of the triangle.”
L.: 3.80 cm

Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
Photo by Kari Pearls https://www.karipearls.com/KariPearls_Newsletter-ancient-pearl-jewelry.html
©ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

Gold earring with pearls and green glass, Late Roman. Finding site: Syrian Orphanage, Jerusalem, Israel

Length: 3.8 cm


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