Merovingian Gold Hoop Earring with Garnets. 5th-6th century A.D. With a thick penannular loop and polyhedral finial set with twelve garnet cloisons. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.33.9.1. 6.36 grams, 34 mm (1 3/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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