Bulgari "Monete" Diamond and Silver Coin Earrings

Created in the 1980s, these Bulgari "Monete" earrings are composed of diamonds and 18K gold and are set with ancient Roman silver denarius coins. One denarius features a helmeted male soldier personifying the Roman Republic, the other the popular Empress Faustina the Elder, both framed by round brilliant-cut diamonds. Cleverly contrasting the glow of gold and sculpted silver coins, softly patinated by the touch of many hands, against the diamonds' white brilliance, these Bulgari jewels remain an eternal classic.

Dimensions: 1.00" diameter
Materials: 58 round brilliant-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 2.32 carats, VS clarity and F/G color); 18K gold; 2 ancient Roman silver coins
Gram Weight: 33.90
Signed: BVLGARI 750 ITALY, maker's mark *150ROMA, engraved with names of coins "DENARION REPUBBLICA ROMANA" and "DENARIO FAUSTINA SENIOR"

Since Nicola launched the Monete collection featuring his beloved "Gemme Nummarie" (numismatic gems), Bulgari's top criterion for selecting their coins has always been intrinsic beauty. Unlike other jewelers, Bulgari's are meticulously set in such a way as to protect their historic and numismatic value. By the 1980s, when these earrings were made, the collection featured streamlined, rounded profiles such as this, which helped focus the eye on the jewels' intended play on contrasts of materials and themes.