The Etruscan goldsmiths produced rich objects in striking forms that were technically very difficult to make. Greek styles and techniques were influential, but Etruscan jewellery was also characterised by original, local types. This object is an example of an Etruscan design. The most common type of Etruscan earrings in the 4th century are the a grappolo or grape-cluster earrings. They are often shown worn by women on Etruscan terracottas and tomb paintings. Their size vary from 2 to 9 cm and can therefore be very big. Certain terracotta heads show that they acted almost as ear covers, nestling behind the curls of the wearer and tucked into the side of the neck.
The ear decoration is shaped from thin sheet gold, with attached clusters of gold globules. It is further decorated with filigree - attached gold wire - and granulation. The technique of granulation was brought to an extraordinary standard of perfection in the Etruscan world, and was often extremely fine.