Ca. 600-800 AD. Byzantine. A matched pair of gold earrings, each one comprising a hollow hoop with attached pearl, a hook-and-loop closure, and a dagger-shaped pendant terminating in a pearl. 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. It also comes with a gemological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers. 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. Size: L:30mm / W:15mm ; 2g. Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquired on the UK/European art market in the 1970s.