Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A matched pair of incredible 18 karat gold earrings, each with a curved, twisted gold stem and a dangling, exquisitely-constructed hollow bull's head. The heads and necks of the bulls have fine detail, including granulated lines giving the impression of reins and eyes, broad snouts, and projecting ears and horns. These earrings would have belonged to an elite Roman woman. Size of one: 1.1" W (2.8 cm); total weight of both: 4.1 grams

Roman women - especially of the upper classes - had their ears pierced and wore one set of earrings. 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.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#134571

On one, the twisted stem is slightly bent. On the other, the bull head has small losses to its underside and the place where the head meets the stem is a bit fragile. Otherwise in incredible condition. Could easily be made wearable by a professional jeweler.