Ancient Roman High-Karat Gold Sphere Earrings, Matched Pair

Roman, Imperial period. A pair of earrings, each made as a hollow sphere of hammered gold sheet with a small suspension loop soldered to one side. The alloy tests at 92 to 94.3 percent gold (about 22.1 to 22.6 karat). That near-pure richness is typical of Roman goldwork and gives the surfaces a warm, buttery glow. The spheres are full and slightly irregular, with the softly faceted, hand-worked look of sheet gold shaped over a form rather than cast. Plain gold ball earrings like these were a lasting favorite across the Roman world. Their appeal lay in the gleam of precious metal rather than in ornament, and they marked their wearer's wealth with understated confidence. The pair has since been fitted with modern hooks so they can be worn again, and ancient gold suits that second life well. Item # 205346

Estimate:£452.13

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