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GREECE IN ANTIQUITY

Knossos Labyrinth Circle Earrings

Knossos Labyrinth Circle Earrings

Regular price £48.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £48.00 GBP
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An ancient path through Knossos, carried in gold.

Created exclusively for the Ashmolean Museum's Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality exhibition, these bestselling earrings reimagine the circular labyrinth found on ancient Knossian coinage.
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DETAILS

HISTORICAL INSPIRATION

The Knossos Labyrinth Circle Earrings are inspired by the labyrinth designs found on ancient coinage struck at Knossos on Crete. Coins from the city repeatedly used the labyrinth as a distinctive visual emblem, appearing in a variety of geometric forms over several centuries. A surviving silver tetradrachm dating to approximately 200–101 BC displays an especially striking circular labyrinth, with its pathways arranged concentrically across almost the entire reverse of the coin. Created exclusively for the Ashmolean Museum's Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality exhibition, Shinar translates this ancient numismatic design into a circular golden medallion, retaining the intricate pathways and tactile character of the archaeological original.

MATERIAL

18ct gold plated stainless steel

PENDANT SIZE

16mm

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 Labyrinth of Knossos

More than two thousand years ago, the ancient city of Knossos placed an extraordinary image upon its coins.

A labyrinth.

Across different issues, the design changed in form, but its winding pathways remained one of the city's most distinctive visual signatures.

By the later centuries of ancient Knossian coinage, the labyrinth could appear as an intricate circular design, its pathways curling inward across the surface of the silver coin.

One remarkable tetradrachm dating to 200–101 BC preserves this form beautifully: concentric passages fill the reverse, turning a small piece of currency into an object of extraordinary geometric detail.

The Knossos Labyrinth Circle Earrings take inspiration from this surviving ancient imagery.

Created exclusively for the Ashmolean Museum's Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality exhibition, each golden medallion transforms the winding paths of Knossos into a jewel designed to move and catch the light.

The result became one of Shinar Jewels' most enduring bestselling designs.

An ancient path through Knossos, carried in gold.

WEAR THE PAST.
The Labyrinth of Knossos
ARCHIVE NOTE
CIRCULAR LABYRINTH TETRADRACHM OF KNOSSOS
Knossos, Crete · 200–101 BC · Silver
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston · 40.143 · 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