Roman Shield Earrings

To a Roman soldier, the shield was one of the most important objects he carried.

It protected the body in battle, formed part of coordinated military formations and stood as a visible sign of Roman order and discipline. But the Roman shield was not only functional. It could also be highly decorated, painted with bold motifs and fitted with a prominent central boss, combining defence with identity and display.

Among the most remarkable surviving examples is the painted Roman shield discovered at Dura-Europos, a Roman frontier city on the Euphrates. Preserved by unusual conditions, it offers a rare glimpse into the appearance of Roman military equipment, showing that shields could be richly ornamented as well as practical.

Created exclusively for the British Museum’s Legion: life in the Roman army exhibition, the Roman Shield design draws upon this extraordinary survival. Its oval form, central raised boss and radiating decoration reinterpret the visual language of the Roman scutum in miniature.

The Roman Shield Earrings transform that martial design into a wearable jewel, preserving the strength, symmetry and commanding presence of the ancient original while reimagining it in gold.

From the shield wall of Rome, reimagined in gold.