A pair of etruscan gold disc ear-stud.

2nd half of the 6th century B.C.

Diam : 34 mm ...

A pair of etruscan gold disc ear-stud.

2nd half of the 6th century B.C.

Diam : 34 mm 11,18 g

The disks are formed of a circular gold sheet, the outer surface of which has a central floral element composed of radiated leaves of gold, each bearing granules at its top, and background in granulation. Three concentric bands encircle the floral: The outtern band is composed with 28 flowers made with curl leaves, granulated beads alternated with plain one. The intern band is composed with 57 gold spheres encircled with beaded wire. Backside covered with a plain gold sheet. Hole at the center to attach the ear clip (one partially remained). The central gold bead are missing in each earring. Originally an East Greek type, striking disk earrings were a fashionable female accessory for several centuries. Complex patterns were made with filigree and granulation, techniques of applying fine gold wires and miniscule granules to create intricate designs.

Parallels : J.-P Getty Museum, Los Angeles, inv. 83.AM.2.2.1; Metropolitan Museum, NY, inv. 13.225.30a, b. Cristofani, M., Martelli, M. , L'oro degli Etruschi, 1985, p. 170, fig. 148-153 Marshall 1911, pp. 136-137, n. 1414 tav. 20.

Monte-Carlo, private collection of Mr. L, prior 90’s