Artwork Page for Earring

Details / Information for Earring

Earring

500–400 BCE

Cyprus

Medium
gold and agate
Measurements
Diameter: 2 cm (13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.131
Public Domain
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Location
102C Greek
Print
?

Did You Know?

The use of agate in jewelry dates to the Indus Valley Civilization, between 3300 and 1300 BCE.

Description

This earring is made of a simple gold loop with gold, agate, and feldspar beads strung on it. One of the gold beads is in the shape of a dolphin’s upper body with a small ball in its mouth. Earrings were extremely popular throughout the ancient Mediterranean, often decorated with animal heads like dolphins, bulls, and goats.
A gold earring features a tapered hoop textured with granules along its thickest section. Five decorative elements adorn the curve: a rounded gold bead beside an oval banded agate, followed by a crumpled gold bead and a rectangular green stone. A miniature gold vessel dangles from a ring at the top. The assembly contrasts the matte, worked surfaces of the metal with the polished luster of the striped and vibrant gemstones.

Earring

500–400 BCE

Cyprus

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