Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. 2nd to 1st century BCE. A fine pair of lovely and high quality – over 23 karat! – gold earrings, each comprised of a thick tapering wire that broadens to a crescent or boat shape. The hollow body widens at the center, creating an interesting contour to the curved shape. The wire-like hook rises from one end and curves back, tapering slightly to fit through the earlobe of the wearer. Both ancient earrings are made wearable with the addition of modern 14k gold-plated sterling silver ear hooks. Earrings like these would have been worn by high status women, who treasured their jewelry – some of the only private property elite women could own in the Classical Mediterranean. Size without hook (both the same): 0.7″ W x 0.7″ H (1.8 cm x 1.8 cm); with hook: 0.7″ W x 1.3″ H (1.8 cm x 3.3 cm); gold quality: 96.85 to 96.97% (equivalent to over 23 karats); total weight: 5 grams
Condition: Both are ancient earrings on modern, 14-karat gold-plated hooks for easy wear. Both have expected indentations to bodies and one has small, stable fissure where wire attaches to body. Otherwise, both are intact, excellent, and wearable.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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