Damaskos Byzantine Lyre Hoop Earrings in 18K Gold with Diamonds

These elongated hoop earrings draw their form from the lyre of Apollo — the ancient Greek god of light, music, and the arts. The silhouette is architectural and spare, but the surface tells a more intricate story: a martillé finish on the body, perforated flower work on the reverse, and diamonds set within granulated borders on the front face.

The martillé technique involves hand-hammering the gold surface with a small punch to create a fine, velvety texture that diffuses light rather than reflecting it flatly. Granulation — a technique dating to ancient Greece and Etruria — uses microscopic beads of gold fused to the surface without solder, a process that requires exceptional heat control and precision. The earrings are crafted in 18K gold and weigh approximately 10 grams per pair. Diamond accents add a restrained brilliance without overpowering the handwork around them.

Damaskos is one of Athens’ most respected jewelry ateliers, known for working directly from archaeological sources to produce pieces that are historically grounded and wearable in equal measure. These earrings move naturally between formal dressing and elevated everyday wear. They are built to last across decades — the kind of piece that becomes more meaningful with time.