A stunning single Western Asiatic gold earring with granule decoration. The body of the earring is formed of two circles of granules, interspersed by a plain gold band. At the base are two hemispherical gold sheets, joined to form a single globular shape, now slightly misshapen. The hoop is formed from two pieces of gold wire which meet at the top. The body of the earring is quite deformed with some dents especially around the base and on the individual granules. The loop is also bent out of shape. There is a small amount of earthly residue in some of the crevices. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Gold necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets would have been worn in everyday life but also buried with the deceased. Measurements: L 1.8g x W 1.0cm Weight: 1.01g Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.