Hellenistic Gold Earring Pair

1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.. Each with a hollow-form crescentic body with a large teardrop-shaped garnet set within a cell with radiating pearl studs; a pendant panel below with garnet cabochons, five pendant drops with pearl finials and a central teardrop-shaped garnet; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. Cf. earring with an identical hollow crescentic body from Roman Egypt in Vernier, ?.S., Catalogue g?n?ral des Antiquit?s ?gyptiennes du Mus?e du Caire, Catalogue Bijoux et orf?vreries. Fascicule 2, Paris, 1907-1927, no.52495; see also a pair of brooches in similar style in Yavtushenko, I. (eds.), Masterpieces of Platar, 2004, no.143. 22.40 grams total, 47-49 mm (107 grams total, 92 mm high including stand) (1 7/8 in. (3 5/8 in.)).

From a private collection.Acquired from Mr D.S., 7 February 2008.Private UK collection.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12119-214174.

The material culture of the Hellenistic east followed the eastern Mediterranean polychromy. Many beautiful jewels were produced in Alexandria or in the Syrian cities and the majority of their precious decorations was imitated by jewellers of more remote provinces, like those of the Greek Pontic cities. [2]