This fine pair of gold earrings of tubular form is from Tamil Nadu, in India’s south. With prominent zig-zag designs, bud-like wings on either side, and pendant projections underneath, they were designed to catch the light. The form is possibly based on the tops of the elaborate gopuram or gateways to South Indian temples (Ganguly, 2007, p. 241).
They were worn in distended earlobes.
See Utracht (1997, p. 221) and Ganguly (2007, p. 241) for related examples.
The examples here are in excellent condition.
References
Aitken, M.E., When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection, Asia Society & Philip Wilson Publishers, 2004.
Ganguly, W., Earrings: Ornamental Identity and Beauty in India, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2007.
Utracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.