Gold Earrings with Stones from Burdur Museum

This study evaluated gold earrings with stone (two pieces) found in the Burdur Museum. The aim of the study is to provide information regarding the historical period of the earrings, their craftsmanship, technical features, and the functionality (organic-inorganic) and meaning of the stones attached in them. Earrings are categorized based on their hoop forms. The pair of earrings features a “S”-shaped hoop adorned with a stone rosette. The earring’s composition of valuable materials, including precious and semi-precious stones and pearls, indicates its beloning to the elite. Their meticulous workmanship also proves that they were designed for special occasions. It has been determined that the stones in the earring were for ornamental purposes and could have been preferred considering their psychological effects. The rosette of the single earring featuring a “U”-shaped hoop contains a stone. The absence of a pendant in the earring and the presence of glass in the rosette indicate that it may have been favored by all societal sectors for everyday wear. It is believed that one of the production centers may have been Anatolia because of its craftsmanship. It has been proposed that both earrings can be dated to the 3rd-4th centuries AD based on their technical characteristics and analogous comparative examples.