Gold Earring with Pearls and Sapphires

Unknown

6th–7th century · Gold, sapphire, pearls · Medieval Art

These elegant earrings are decorated with pearls, a favorite jewel of the Byzantines. Sapphires, then called hyakinthoi (hyacinths), became popular in Byzantine jewelry in the sixth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–7th century

Medium

Gold, sapphire, pearls

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917