Owl Athena Minerva Roman Costume Drop Dangle Earrings Gold Finish .5L

Athena Owl Earrings Inspired by Roman Design

These Athena owl earrings show an owl with enlarged eyes and detailed feathers on the head and chest. They are made from a 22 ct gold plate and hypoallergenic ear wires. The design adapts ancient imagery of the goddess Athena, known as Minerva in Rome.

The Owl of Athena

The little owl has walked beside Athena for nearly three thousand years. Greek poets gave the goddess the epithet glaukopis, often read as "bright-eyed" or "owl-eyed." Scholars still debate why the bird became her companion. Some point to her wisdom, since the owl sees in the dark. Others note that little owls once nested on the Acropolis. Athens settled the question on its coins. Silver tetradrachms showed Athena's helmeted head on the front and an owl on the back. They changed very little for over three hundred years. People across the Mediterranean called them "owls" and trusted them. Romans later identified Athena with Minerva and kept the owl as her sacred bird. Artists gave it large, round eyes that suggest watchfulness and insight. These earrings follow that tradition. Each owl has wide eyes and carefully textured feathers on the head and chest, like the owl on the ancient coins.

• Finish: 22 ct gold plate
• Ear wires: Hypoallergenic
• Length: 1 1/2 in L x 5/8 in W with ear wires
• Owl alone: 3/4 in L x 5/8 in W
• SKU / PN: 10061

Birds in Roman Design

Birds, animals, and fish decorated the mosaics, buildings, and jewelry of wealthy Romans. These Minerva owl earrings follow that taste.

Roman Jewelry

Roman women wore necklaces, earrings, bracelets, tiaras, and rings. Gold, silver, pearls, and stones like amber, topaz, and jet were favored. Roman owl dangle earrings keep that tradition alive.

Wearing the Owl

Gold plated owl earrings suit a toga costume or a simple dress. Another pair of Minerva owl earrings makes a fine gift for a Latin student. Roman owl dangle earrings stay light on the ear.

Styling and Wearing the Athena owl earrings

Each owl hangs from a drop of about 1 1/2 in. Wear these gold plated owl earrings with a Roman costume or as everyday jewelry. Browse related pieces in our Museum Jewelry collection.

Care Notes

Wipe the gold plate with a soft, dry cloth. Keep it dry and away from perfume and harsh chemicals. Store it flat in a pouch.

For More Reading from the Web

• See the owl on an Athenian silver tetradrachm, with Athena's helmeted head on the front: Tetradrachm with Athena and Owl - The British Museum
• Meet Minerva, the Roman Athena, in a bronze bust with her Greek-style helmet: Bronze Bust of Minerva - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Find out why the owl came to stand for Athena and Minerva: Owl of Athena - Wikipedia