Roman, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Stunning 24 karat solid gold Roman earrings, each one representing a shield with danglers of red and green ancient glass. The shields have a fine rope-patterned border, and the design projects outward resolving in a tiny spherical orb to create depth. What may appear to be purely decorative at first glance, is definitely more nuanced. The shields were intended to protect the lady wearing these earrings. Roman jewelry was oftentimes imbued with symbolism and imagery of gods or goddesses or more literal devices for safeguarding such as shields in this case were chosen for their protective power. Beyond this symbolic iconography, the beauty and bright yellow hues of the gold complemented by the translucent red and green glass danglers indicates that these earrings were worn for adornment and displayed an awareness of fashion, wealth, and status. When suspended from ear, measures 1-5/8"L.

Back at auction due to non-paying bidder.

Provenance: Ex-Private East Coast collection

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#95107

A few tiny, nearly invisible dimples in the shield. Else intact and near choice.