One of a Pair of Gold Earrings with Garnets

Unknown

second half 8th century · Gold, garnets with patterned foil backings, silver rivets · Medieval Art

Hoop earrings with polyhedral beads, derived from late Roman jewelry, remained fashionable among Frankish women from the 400s through the 700s. Many are delicate pieces, their beads decorated with garnets or precious stones. Others, often with the least imposing beads, impress by their large hoops and distinctive closures.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 8th century

Medium

Gold, garnets with patterned foil backings, silver rivets

Culture

Frankish

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917