Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fine pair of 18K gold hoop earrings, each nearly circular with a hollow, crescent-moon shaped motif on their lower side wrapped in multiple strands of extremely fine gold wire. Believe it or not, the Romans invented the “hoop earring” around 300 BCE, an iconic style that persists to this day. The incredibly delicate and precise workmanship on these showcase the skill of Roman goldsmiths. Size: 0.6" W (1.5 cm); 2.3 grams

The crescent moon is associated with Luna, the divine embodiment of the moon usually depicted in Roman art paired with the Sun and driving a four-horse chariot known as a quadriga. Lunar motifs are also linked with the Roman goddesses Diana and Juno.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#129465

Catches do not function properly, but a professional jeweler could fit them to a setting to make them wearable. Very slight bending and tearing to hollow form.