A fine Western Asiatic gold earring consisting of a conical body attached to a penannular hoop. The body is enriched with two horizontal rows of granulation divided by a thin gold wire. The earring displays a small dent to the body. Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and 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, electrum and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Fine granulation, as we can see on this item, 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. Measurements: 1.7 cm length Weight: 0.82 grams Provenance: Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman