HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA LATE 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.

Each earring is composed of a disc supporting three pendants. The disc is centered by an elaborate rosette framed by plain, rope and beaded wire, with a similar rosette above at the join to the hooked ear-wire. Along the lower edge of the disc are three small rosettes each joined to a length of loop-in-loop chain terminating in a seed-shaped pendant.

Disc earrings, many supporting elaborate pendants, were one of the most popular forms for ear ornaments beginning in the 4th century B.C. and continuing in use throughout the Hellenistic period. For related discs supporting Eros pendants, thought to be from Crete, see no. 20 in D. Williams and J. Ogden, Greek Gold: Jewellery of the Classical World.