Ancient yellow gold granulated ear-ring

Being crafted between fourteen and seventeen centuries ago, this ear pendant in a high gold alloy still exhibits the very essence of what a jewel should be: the adornment of a lady. While wearing this precious piece, it doesn't take long before you drift off to dreams about the journeys of its time travels into the 21st century.

From an ancient goldsmith's design into a tangible gold form, constructed out of a repetition of the strong triangle shape until the smallest granulation pattern in the ancient Caucasion style. Specially crafted to be worn by the greatest of its era and long after. Now, envision to where this remarkable jewel -worthy of a showroom in a museum- could lead you when you would just let it adorn you.

Country of origin : Caucasus

Style specifics : the granulation technique

Period : between the 4th Century and 7th Century A.D.

Material : yellow gold, at least 18K

Technique : Granulation. Granulation is a technique where the goldsmith uses very small balls (granules) of metal, which are not soldered to the piece but welded. This technique demand very high skills and precision from the maker. Today with all the modern techniques it's still very difficult to only match the quality of the goldsmiths that made this earring so many years ago!

Extra : A similar ear pendant is in the collection of the Schmuckmuseum in Pforzheim (museum of jewelry in Pforzheim, Germany) with inventory number 1957/4. Check our pictures for the inventory page of the Museum on this piece.

Weight : 8.20 gram (5.27 dwt)

Hallmarks : No trace

Condition : Extremely good condition considering its age
(click here for our condition scale)
It is a bit bent and shows some dents but that's not really exceptional considering it's age. We would describe this earring more as a treasure, an artifact. When we found it, it had a fissure in the top part, making it questionable if it would stay together, so we had it repaired in the most modern way, with a laser. Like that the complete piece was not heated as it would have been the case if it was repaired in the old way. When it would have been done in the old way (heated with a flame) all the patine (color of the piece that builds up over the years) would have been affected. The repair is very hard to see. Most of the time people only see it when being told. For the rest we kept it in it's original way, like it should be.

Dimensions : length approx. 7.00 cm (2.76 inch)

When referring to this piece : Mention the following number: 02157-3022 or click here.


Click on the following links to see more of our:
earrings
filigree & granules
Latest acquisitions.