THE WIDESPREAD USE of glass in ancient Roman jewelry can be attributed to the Roman Empire's dominance over Mediterranean glassmaking regions. The invention of glassblowing made things faster and more cost-effective; everyone could at least afford some beads. Here, a pair of high-carat gold earrings with creamy blue and white glass beads have remained together (somehow) since the 2nd/3rd century AD. They may have at one point been circle-shaped so they could be permanently affixed to the ears as hoops, but this is a more practical way to wear them.