1100-1300 AD. Byzantine. Beautiful gold hoop earrings with openwork motifs depicting stylised arcaded structures; additional hoops, each enclosing rock crystal spheres, hang from the bottom of each earring. Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. This item probably belonged to a Byzantine noblewoman. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: L:35mm / W:25mm ; 7.3g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1990s.