ETRUSCAN GOLD TRUMPET-SHAPED EARRING

Ca. 400-300 BC
A beautiful earring composed of a hollow gold shank formed into a circular shape. The shank on the opposite ends is embellished with decorative collars, which provides additional texture and visual interest to the piece. The main decorative element of the earring is a gold discoid-shaped bead that is placed between the ribbed collars. This bead is further adorned with a beadwork ring that encircles its perimeter. Etruscan gold jewelry production was highly sophisticated and played a significant role in the development of ancient Italian jewelry. Etruscans were renowned for their mastery of goldsmithing techniques, including granulation, filigree, and repoussé. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 95.15.182, .183.
Size: L:20.2mm / W:16.7mm ; 1.35g
Provenance: United Kingdom (Cambridgeshire) - Art Ancient Limited, 23 April 2014; sold as "formerly in the French private collecton of a Lady": acquired in the 1980s from Parisian dealers including Jean-Phillipe Mariaud de Serres; subsequently dispersed with other pieces at auction.
Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000