Larentia Earrings

These earrings are among the most iconic Etruscan designs, and are based on several examples in Rome dating to the seventh century BC. Here, the rounded disk shape at the top is framed with a ribbed border, while the center and bottom edges are filled with cascading golden droplets of varying sizes. 

Larentia was an ancient Roman goddess of fertility, whose festival, the Larentalia, was celebrated on December 23rd. According to mythological tradition, Larentia was of Etruscan origin. She was the beautiful wife of the shepherd Faustulus, and thus the foster mother, guardian, and caregiver of Romulus and Remus. She was therefore highly revered by the Romans, and was, in particular, a goddess connected to the key guardian deities, the Lares.