Galla Earrings

These striking drop earrings are based on an ancient pair, and feature a simple but regal design with a central rosette surrounded by a rounded frame with beaded accents.

"Galla" is the female patronymic form of the name "Gallus;" a name which may refer to Gallic nationality, or to a rooster! One famous Galla was Galla Placidia (c. AD 392 - 450), daughter of the Roman emperor Theodosius I. Well educated and ever-present in court life, Galla Placidia received the title of "most noble girl" (nobilissima puella) while still a child.

Galla was granted property and thus her independence at a very young age, and she remained a force in Roman politics for much of her life. Her intelligence and marriages cemented alliances with those in charge during a very turbulent time: she was married to the Visigothic king Ataulf (r. AD 411 - 415), and afterwards to the Roman emperor Constantius III (r. 421). After his death, the formidable Galla became advisor to Valentinian III, Roman emperor in the West (r. AD 425 to 455), managing the government administration during his reign.

Galla Placidia's mausoleum is today one of the incredible sites to visit in the Italian city of Ravenna, with walls that are filled with magnificent figural mosaics on a blue and gold background. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.