Ca. 400-600 AD. A matched pair of gold earrings in a crescent shape, with a hook and eye closure. The open-work plaques are decorated with a scene of two birds, possibly peacocks facing each other and flanking a vase. The edges are ornamented with five spherical baubles, which hang from the bottom of the outer edge. Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. For a similar pair, see The Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession Number M.6&A-1970. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase. Size: L:38.7mm / W:36.8mm ; 12.87g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.