These Crotalia earrings with two pearls are a silver and metal replica of the Roman earrings found during the excavations of Pompeii, in the villa of Oplontis and Stabia, and today kept in the Archaeological Museum of Naples.

They are made by hand using an ancient technique, while the hooks are in 925 silver, plated in 18 KT gold. Their peculiarity is the pendant made up of one, two or three pearls which, when they collide with each other, produce a pleasant tinkling, hence their name "Crotalia" which means "rattle, castanet".

This type of earrings was very common for women of the time, as demonstrated by a portrait of the Fayyum.

Characteristics 

• Material: Silver 925/metal                 
• Nickel free
• Weight: 7 g
• Length: 5 cm
• Diameter: 1.5 cm
• Color: Silver/Gold

                 

Historical Curiosities

In ancient Pompeii, jewels were symbols of status and wealth. Women of the time wore elaborate earrings with pendants to demonstrate their prestige and social position. The use of silver and precious stones was widespread, and pendants often represented symbols of fertility, protection and prosperity.

Bibliography:
"Splendours. Luxury in ornaments in Herculaneum", edited by Francesco Sirano.
"Female beauty in Pompeii. Cosmetics and ornaments", edited by Antonio D'Ambrosio.
"The collections of the National Museum of Naples", edited by the Pedicini Photographic Archive.