PAIR OF EARRINGS Gold H. 3 cm; 11 g Crete, Minoan art, c. 1500 BC Provenance European collection, acquired on the English art market in the 1990s An elegant pair of gold earrings consisting of smooth gold wire circular hoops with hook fastenings. Each ring supports a conical pendant suspended by a coil of gold wire. The elongated pyramid-shaped pendants are entirely decorated with stitching to create a regular 'pseudo-granulation' texture. Excellent condition. Natural patina of old gold. Well-preserved pitted decoration. Functional fastening system. This type of earring with textured hoop and conical pendant is part of a long Mediterranean tradition. If the type finds precedents in Minoan goldsmithery (circa 1600-1100 BC). A Pair of Minoan Gold Earrings with Chased Pendants. c. 1500 BCE. Elegant pair of gold earrings composed of circular hoops in smooth gold wire, fitted with a hook closure system. Each hoop supports a conical pendant suspended by a coil of gold wire. The pendants, of elongated pyramidal form, are entirely decorated with chased work creating a regular texture like a 'pseudo-granulation'. Excellent condition. Natural patina of ancient gold. Chased decoration well preserved. Closure system functional. This type of hoop earrings with textured conical pendant belongs to a long Mediterranean tradition. While the type has precedents in Minoan and Mycenaean goldwork (circa 1600-1100 BCE).