Ancient Greek Gold Filigree Earring Pair

Weight: total of 12.36 grams.

Materials: Gold

Date: Hellenistic, 5th to 3rd Century BC

Provenance: Acquired from a British collector in the 2020s, previously held by a London gallery since the 1980s.

A matched pair of gold earrings. This pair of earrings features a hanging pendant in a gourd shape, intricately designed with fine bead-like designs throughout. The earrings have a long, smooth, unclosed loop fastener.

The earrings are primarily made of gold, which was highly valued in ancient Greece for its beauty and rarity. The gold used was often a high-purity alloy, allowing for intricate and detailed filigree work.

Greek filigree earrings were known for their exquisite craftsmanship and delicate designs. They typically featured an intricate network of fine gold wires that were twisted, curled, and shaped to create ornate patterns. The filigree work often formed motifs inspired by nature, such as leaves, flowers, or vines.