• Shinar Jewels Pearl & Amethyst Drop Earrings featuring 6 mm purple amethyst, 4–5 mm freshwater pearls, golden hematite and 18ct gold plated stainless steel.
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ETERNAL EGYPT & THE GLORY OF ROME

Fayum Amethyst and Pearl Earrings

Fayum Amethyst and Pearl Earrings

£38.00 GBP
£38.00 GBP
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Two treasured gemstones, united across the centuries.

Inspired by a beautifully preserved Fayum portrait from Roman Egypt, these elegant earrings combine rich purple amethyst, luminous freshwater pearls and golden accents, recalling the precious materials worn nearly two thousand years ago.

DETAILS

HISTORICAL INSPIRATION

The Pearl & Amethyst Earrings are inspired by the beautifully preserved Fayum mummy portraits of Roman Egypt, particularly a portrait of a woman dating to AD 100–120, now held by the British Museum. The woman is depicted wearing gold earrings and two necklaces. The lower necklace incorporates small amethysts and a central emerald in a gold setting, from which two pearls are suspended. This remarkable painting offers a glimpse into the jewellery fashions of Roman Egypt, where colourful gemstones, luminous pearls and finely worked gold were combined in personal ornaments. Shinar draws upon this historic arrangement of materials, bringing together purple amethyst, freshwater pearls and golden accents in a contemporary pair of drop earrings. The design is inspired by the jewellery depicted in the portrait, rather than being a reproduction of the ancient necklace.

MATERIAL

Natural Amethyst · Freshwater Pearls · Faceted Golden Hematite · 18ct Gold Plated Stainless Steel

PENDANT SIZE

22mm length.

CARE

To keep your jewellery looking its best, gently wipe with a soft cloth after wear and store separately when not in use.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds and anything that may scratch or unnecessarily wear the plated surface.

DELIVERY & RETURNS

Your Shinar jewellery will arrive carefully packaged and ready to give — or to keep.

UK and international delivery options, costs and estimated delivery times are shown at checkout.

Eligible unworn jewellery may be returned in accordance with our Returns Policy.

OUR GUARANTEE

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THE STORY

The Jewels of Roman Egypt

Nearly two thousand years ago, artists in Roman Egypt created remarkable portraits of men and women, preserving not only their faces but also the clothing and jewellery they wore.

Among these surviving paintings is a Fayum portrait dating to AD 100–120, now held by the British Museum. The woman wears a purple tunic, golden earrings and two necklaces adorned with coloured gemstones.

Of particular beauty is her lower necklace, decorated with small amethysts and a central emerald from which two pearls are suspended. The painting captures the Roman Egyptian appreciation for the rich colours of gemstones and the gentle lustre of pearls.

These portraits offer a rare glimpse into personal adornment in antiquity, showing how precious materials were arranged and worn rather than simply preserved as archaeological objects.

The Pearl & Amethyst Earrings draw inspiration from this ancient combination, pairing luminous freshwater pearls with deep purple amethyst and warm golden detailing.

A contemporary interpretation of the materials and colours that adorned women in Roman Egypt.

Two treasured gemstones, united across the centuries.

WEAR THE PAST.
The Jewels of Roman Egypt
ARCHIVE NOTE
FAYUM MUMMY PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN
Roman Egypt · AD 100–120. Encaustic painting on limewood
Portrait depicting a necklace with amethysts, emerald and suspended pearls
The British Museum, London · EA74706 - Wikimedia Commons · Public Domain
DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

MADE FOR THE AGES

THE SHINAR STANDARD

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DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL

Made from hard-wearing stainless steel, chosen for strength and durability.

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18CT GOLD PLATED

Finished in our rich 18ct gold for the warmth and character of fine gold jewellery.

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WATERPROOF

Designed to go wherever you do — waterproof for everyday wear, from the shower to the pool and sea.

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SHINAR GUARANTEE

Designed for lasting wear and supported by the Shinar Jewels guarantee.

ANCIENT INSPIRATION · MODERN MATERIALS · MADE FOR THE AGES