These heavy gold earrings from the first century BC, take the form of curling vines, with flared buds at each end. Notice the narrow slit in each curl. The wearer threaded these through broad piercings in the earlobes. These earrings confirm that the large-scale earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that we see depicted on Indian sculptures probably were based on actual jewelry. Both men and women wore earrings, beginning in childhood. In many cases, over time, the weight stretched their ears nearly to their shoulders.

These earrings are lavishly decorated with granules, wire, and cut sheet gold. Look closely at the sides for small animals in relief: an elephant on one side, and a winged lion on the other. Both were emblems of royal power. These figures, along with the size and quality of the manufacture of the earrings, suggest that they belonged to a king.

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