Parthian / Roman 18K Gold Earring w/ Garnets

**Originally Listed At $650**

Near East / Western Asia, Parthia or possibly Eastern Roman, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An incredibly ornate earring, made from 78% gold (equivalent to 18K), studded with four ovoid, wine red garnets, one red glass ovoid, and three pale green stones. It is composed of three tiers: a thick loop with applied granulations which was the original clasp, held in place by gold pins and with a hinge; a middle tier of a thick, spherical ball covered in granulations with the inlaid stones, glass, and garnets; and a third tier that resembles a chandelier with a gold sheet claw holding several large granulations. Size: 0.7" W x 1.9" H (1.8 cm x 4.8 cm); gold iquality: 78%, equivalent to 18K; total weight: 9.6 grams.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-American collection, 1980s to 2000s; ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, collected in the 1960s

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#142753
Condition Report: Modern gold-plated post has been attached to the top of the ancient loop; otherwise the earring is entirely ancient. This attachment has been expertly done and is unobtrusive, allowing the earring to be worn today. The third (lowest) tier is slightly crushed with a small loss on its tip. The glass ovoid is partially lost as are the two green stones. Garnets and form are in nice condition.