Circa 100-300 AD A substantial pair of Ancient Roman gold earrings featuring a large convex shaped bead which looks like a vessel, with a beautiful pendant decorated with fine granulation on its rim; below this is decorated with a central tri-clustered granulation, with five granules creating a pyramid. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential dressing accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery first followed fashion set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the Roman empire spread and became more prosperous, so did its jewellery designs be more increasing elaborate. The behavior of wearing rings was popular amongst the Romans, and was likely introduced by the Sabines, who in early legends, as wearing gold rings with precious gemstones. Myres, John L. 1914. Handbook of the Cesnola Collection of Antiquities from Cyprus. no. 3257, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. Size: Set of 2: L:44mm / W:15mm; 9.3g Provenance: Private London collection of Ancient Art; previously with a London art dealer; acquired from a Japanese collection (1970-2010).