Romano-British Swirl Earrings

These earrings are made using 18 gauge wire, which is a bit thicker than most earrings, of red brass (a warm gold tone) or copper. They are based on several finds from England, all dated to the Roman era.

As on several of the originals, the wire is twisted, which does help them sit spiral forward… or wear them spiral down. To wear as situated in the first photo, the wire goes in backwards, that is, back-to-front. That all said, we don’t have any great indication, to my knowledge, which way earrings like this were worn back in the day, so wear them as you like and enjoy this tiny piece of experimental archaeology.

There is some size variation- pairs run between 13/16" and 15/16" in diameter, and are slightly off-round like the original.

See: Portable Antiquities Scheme #193140, found in Oldham, dated to the 1st-2nd century CE.

The wire is untreated and will develop a patina with age and wear. I can also make these in sterling silver, upon request.