A pair of gold ruby and amethyst earrings

A rare and important pair of gold ear ornaments from the late Khmer period, showcasing exceptional provincial or royal craftsmanship. Each earring is designed around a prominent, centrally set amethyst, framed by accentuating rubies. The deep purple of the central amethyst provides a striking, deliberate color contrast against both the rich red tones of the rubies and the high-purity gold work, a aesthetic combination highly favored in Southeast Asian aristocratic adornments for its protective and status-affirming symbolism.