Ca. 500-600 AD. An elaborate pair of gold earrings, each comprising a hinged wire hoop with a pin closure and a large sphere richly adorned with filigree decoration. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. These gorgeous pieces may once have belonged to a Byzantine noblewoman or princess.Size: L:26.7-29.1mm / W:16.6-16.8mm ; 5.14gProvenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.