**Originally Listed At $300**

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A delicate, gorgeous, near pure gold (98% purity, equivalent to 22+ karat) earring composed of a simple hook that flows into a long wire with gold wire wrapped around its middle portion and a gold cap at its lower end, an ovoid pale red carnelian bead held in place between them. Roman women - especially of the upper classes - had their ears pierced, a single hole in each, and wore one set of earrings at a time. Jewelry was particularly important to women in Roman society, because it was legally their own property, independent of their husband's wealth, and they could use it as they saw fit. Size: 0.25" W x 1.5" H (0.6 cm x 3.8 cm); total weight: 1.5 grams

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#142938

Slight bending to form. Intact and could be worn.