Published South Arabian 20K+ Gold Earring

South Arabian, ca. 5th century BCE. A single gold earring (90% gold, equivalent to 20K+) of an elegant design comprised of a plain hoop centrally joined to an elaborately decorated U-shaped section adorned on each side with rows of filigreed and twisted gold wires surrounded by a granulated border. A stunning piece of ancient jewelry! Weight: 4.3 grams; Precious metal quality: 90% gold, equivalent to 20K+. Size: 1" W x .875" H (2.5 cm x 2.2 cm)

This earring was recently exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 12, p. 8, discussion p. 3). Curator Sarah E. Cox presented them in the "Dressed to Impress" section of this exhibition. According to Dr. Cox, "All classes of women in the ancient world wore jewelry, which was considered both as adornment and as visible evidence of wealth. Many of the surviving pieces, particularly earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, were preserved because they were buried with the deceased. Others were accidentally lost in baths or toilets, or due to the vicissitudes of nature and war."

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 12, p. 8, discussion p. 3); ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, collected in the 1960s

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#146282
Condition Report: Hoop clasp has no movement. Separation between hoop and large granulated terminal atop one side of the lower section. Slight indentations and light surface wear commensurate with age, but detail is still strong. Could be fitted to a modern setting to make wearable or even made into a lovely necklace pendant.