Pre-Columbian Inspired Dangle Earrings: A Tribute to Ancient Nose Ornaments

A Crescent Becomes an Earring: Nose Ornament Earrings

A round gold drop swings from an ornately decorated post. These nose ornament earrings are 1 in wide and 1.3 in long.

The Pre-Columbian dangle earrings reinterpret the semicircular nose ornaments of Colombia.

Product Details

• Material: 24 kt gold plate
• Posts: Sterling silver
• Dimensions: 1 in W x 1.3 in L each
• Product number: 7971
• Origin: Made in USA
• Style: Colombian nose ornament jewelry, round drop earrings

From Nose to Ear

Nose ornaments were among the earliest kinds of facial jewelry. Colombian examples of the 13th to 16th centuries were made of gold.

The Met notes that Calima examples show wear and repair. They were worn in life.

Status and Identity

These ornaments marked rank and identity. Colombian nose ornament jewelry was a visible language of the community.

Wearing and Display

The sterling silver posts suit most ears. Wear them with hair back. Wipe with a soft cloth.

Round drop earrings catch light with each turn. See more in our Museum Jewelry Earrings.

About Colombian Gold

Smiths of ancient Colombia cast gold with lost wax and linked its color to the sun. These nose ornament earrings are a tribute to that craft. Pre-Columbian dangle earrings like these suit many outfits.

For More Reading from the Web

• Read how Colombian smiths made nose ornaments and tied gold to the sun. Pre-Columbian dangle earrings come from that tradition. Metalwork in Ancient Colombia - The Metropolitan Museum of Art