A Pair of Gold and Garnet Polygonal Earrings
Ostrogothic, circa 6th century A.D.
Measurements
• 3.2 × 2.9 × 1.2 cm and 3.1 × 3 × 1.2 cm
• Weight: 10.7 grams each
Of circular form, each earring is composed of a plain gold hoop terminating in a cube-shaped setting displayed upon panels of almandine garnet, carefully cut and backed with gold to enhance their translucency and depth of colour. The polygonal settings are formed of intersecting gold struts, creating a striking geometric arrangement that reflects the refined metalworking traditions of the Ostrogothic period. The surfaces retain traces of ancient wear consistent with prolonged use.
In a fine state of preservation, the earrings remain complete with all their original garnets intact, one slightly dislodged yet still present. Their integrity is exceptional for jewels of this period, and they would be suitable, if desired, for sympathetic adaptation with discreet loops for modern wear.
The use of garnet inlaid into gold cells reflects the continuation of Late Roman cloisonné techniques, adapted and developed within the Ostrogothic world. Such earrings, with their bold cubic settings and luminous stones, would have projected wealth and status, while also embodying the cultural synthesis of Roman and Gothic traditions in Italy and the wider Mediterranean during the 6th century.
Displayed upon a modern bespoke bronze stand, included with the earrings.
Provenance
New York art market.
The Property of a Private Collector; Christie’s, New York, 18 December 1998, lot 316.
With Ariadne Galleries, New York and London, acquired at the above sale.
Private American collection, acquired from the above, 27 April 2016.
Comparisons
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, preserves an earring of closely related form with cubic garnet setting (inv. 22.50.10). The Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Washington D.C., holds a pair of near-identical type, with polygonal garnet inlays within geometric gold frameworks (inv. BZ.1940.1.6–7).
The British Museum, London, contains a particularly instructive group, comprising a complete pair (inv. AF.516.a-b) together with further single examples (inv. 1923,0716.65; 1923,0716.64; 1923,0716.13). Collectively, these objects demonstrate the wide diffusion of this Ostrogothic type across the Mediterranean, highlighting both the technical mastery of cloisonné work and its symbolic value within elite Gothic adornment.
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