Greek Minoan Bees from Crete Wire Pierced Dangle Earrings 1.25L

Two Bees and a Drop of Honey: Minoan Bee Earrings

Two bees face each other across a small round bead, wings swept back in perfect symmetry. These Minoan bee earrings hang 1.25 in long in warm gold plate.

The Greek bee earrings copy a Bronze Age pendant from Crete.

Product Details

• Material: 24K gold plate over pewter
• Ear wires: Gold filled, wire pierced
• Dimensions: About 1.25 in L x 1.3 in W
• Product number: 7264
• Style: Crete wire earrings, Bronze Age earrings
• Origin: Made in USA

Found in a Pit of Gold

The original was found in 1930 at Chrysolakkos, a burial ground outside the palace of Malia. Malia was the third largest Minoan palace on Crete.

It dates to the Protopalatial period, about 1800 to 1700 BC. Bronze Age earrings inspired by it follow a very old goldsmith's eye.

Bees, Wasps or Honey?

The two insects clasp a central disc, and three small discs hang below. Many readers see bees carrying honey to the comb.

Some scholars think the insects may be wasps. Honey mattered in Minoan offerings, and bees stood for regeneration. The Heraklion Museum shows the original today.

Wearing and Display

The gold-filled ear wires are ready to wear. Keep the Minoan bee earrings dry and wipe them with a soft cloth.

Crete wire earrings hang best with hair pulled back. See more in our Museum Jewelry Earrings. Greek bee earrings suit a plain neckline.

About the Minoans

The Minoans lived on Crete before the Greeks of Athens and Sparta. Their goldsmiths worked with fine wire and tiny globules. Minoan bee earrings keep that craft in view. Bronze Age earrings like these are a bright link to a lost palace world.

For More Reading from the Web

• Read how scholars debate the famous Malia pendant, bees or wasps. Greek bee earrings rest on that argument. Malia Pendant - Wikipedia