Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 7th to 10th century CE. A gorgeous high quality 77% (equivalent to 18K+) gold earring with a spectacular filigree orb at the center. The spherical form is meticulously created by intricate twisting rope filigree that spirals and coils into a petaloid openwork arrangement. The sphere is divided by a thick band encircling the center that has 4 applied rings placed evenly along the length that once contained separate dangling ornaments or beads. The thick wire hoop would pass through the wearer's earlobe, and there is a split where the hoop would open and close to secure the earring in place. A second wire is wrapped around the base of the hoop where the sphere meets the terminal ends. Size: 1.13" Diameter (2.9 cm); gold quality: 77% (equivalent to 18K+); weight: 10 grams

During the 7th to 9th centuries, the Byzantine Empire was in a state of economic and social crisis, repeatedly rocked by invasions, plagues, famines, and other disasters - a time period often called "The Dark Ages." However, when these peoples emerged from that period, the elite of the Byzantine Empire wished to flaunt their wealth and embellish themselves with beautiful things. For example, in excavations of Byzantine graves from this period at Thessaloniki, jewelry like these earrings are found in great quantity in the graves of women. These would have been treasured items for a person living during this optimistic, dynamic time.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#151716

Stable fissures around the base of both wires where they meet the sphere, with small losses to filigree. Not wearable as is. Exterior surface is professionally cleaned, mineral and earthen deposits are compacted within the spherical openwork.