Ca. 600-800 AD. Byzantine. A matched pair of gold earrings composed of a hollow hoop tapering at one end to plain wire forming a hook-and-loop closure, and pearl pendants. Excellent condition. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase. Pearls were a favorite jewel of the Byzantines. To find out more about Byzantine jewellery, see Entwistle, C. et al (2003). Through a Glass Brightly: Studies in Byzantine and Medieval Art and Archaeology. Oxford and Philadelphia: Oxbow Books. For similar Byzantine pearl earrings, see https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/ancient-jewelry-wearable-art/pair-byzantine-gold-red-glass-earrings-4/37741.Size: L:25mm / W:18mm ; 2.9g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquired on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.