Silver-gilt, 5.17 grams, 53.32 mm. 6th-7th century. A finely made earring based on an elliptical crescentic plate with a rectangular cabochon crystal set centrally in the upper zone. Around the edges of the cell are groups of granulation in triangular forms. Outside this is a double-band of ropework in a herringbone pattern, separated by a plain field from a triple-band of the same. At the top are two large granulations with adjacent triangular groupings; these are placed where the hoop joins the main body of the piece. Granulated decoration is placed on the outer face of the hoop itself. Reference: similar in overall design to the crescentic Byzantine earring in Bonham’s catalogue, 26th April 2007 item 229 and cf. granulation on 226. Good very fine condition.