A pair of Byzantine Gold Hoop Earrings, ca. 5th century CE

An exquisite pair of gold hoop earrings made from strands of twisted wire, terminating into the open mouths of two birds of prey with inlaid red glass eyes, and one bird has a pearl in its beak.  Between the birds' heads is a double-headed bird with green glass inlays on either side.  Below the hoops sit three openwork balls with glass and turquoise inlays on the bottom. Jewelry and other luxury items worn and used by members of Byzantine society encoded complex messages about the wearer’s social status, wealth, piety, and political and religious connections. Gold, silver, pearls, and precious gemstones were not only considered beautiful but also signaled a wearer’s understanding of esoteric decorative motifs, as well as access to valuable materials and the elite artists that crafted them.  It was believed such jewelry provided contact with the numinous powers of the holy world of the saints, while simultaneously serving as public expressions of faithful piety as well as protecting the