Earrings, Korea, Three Kingdoms period, Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.–A.D. 676), 6th century. Gold. a) H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); W. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm) b) H. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm); W. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm). Excavated by NMK from Noseori Tomb No 138 in Gyeongju, 1953. National Museum of Korea, L.2016.43.3a–c. Photograph courtesy the National Museum of Korea

Gold earrings were worn by both men and women of the Silla and Gaya elite and are the most prevalent type of jewelry found in tombs. Goldsmith techniques on display here range from simple hammering to the more complex method of granulation, in which tiny gold beads were adhered to the surface to create intricate designs.