Maya Jade Earrings, Mexico

Two thick rings of pale green stone, each heavy enough to make an earlobe reconsider.

These earrings are Maya, from Mexico, and date to around 600. They are jade. Jade was the most valued material in the Maya world, generally associated with water, maize and life itself, and large ear flares were a mark of high status. Each is a broad, irregular ring with a round central opening, slightly squared at the edges. The stone is a soft celadon green clouded with white, polished to a gentle sheen. They are mounted side by side on slim rods above a black rectangular base. It is 6.5 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 6 high.

Statement jewelry, in the most literal sense.