Ancient Byzantine Silver Gilt Hoop Earrings Circa 10th to 12th century AD. Size 1 1/8 inch, weight 7.34 grams. A hollow curved rod with a spherical ball bisected by a suspended dangler. Remains of gilt to surfaces. Size ea. 1-1/8 inches Diam. Provenance: Ex collection A. T., Munich, acquired in 1985Adornment in ancient cultures were always of great importance. Citizens would go to great lengths to acquire the latest fashion in clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry. Roman men, women, and children of all social classes wore jewelry, some of it quite elaborate and some very simple. It was viewed not just as adornment but as visible evidence of wealth and social status.