Pair of Disk Ear Studs

A central rosette is composed of 12 radiating petal-strips with granules along the spine, surrounding a repoussé circle, from the middle of which protrudes a wire with a cluster of granules. Four concentric bands of granulation, 40 spherical beads, alternating lotus and palmettes worked in repoussé, and an outer band of 61 hemispheres with a granule on top; the bands are separated by beaded wire. The backs of the studs are missing a projecting tube, but retain traces of encrustation.

Miniscule embellishments on disk earrings created a dazzling effect and the myriad variations on concentric motifs devised by goldsmiths witness their technical virtuosity. It has been suggested that the style originated in the Greek East among the Lydians, but examples there are rare and differ from the uniquely elaborate Etruscan disks. The style was in vogue from the mid-sixth to the fourth century B.C.