ROUGHLY 1800 years ago, the ancient Romans were the masters of glass. They had recently conquered the Mediterranean people who were the previous glass-masters, and then they continued to develop and improve techniques. Here, glass (perhaps clear?) was set into high-karat, hand-hammered gold. Over centuries underground, the glass degraded, through chemical reactions with soil minerals, shifting in tone and texture to a powdery green. Many ancient Roman earrings were made to be worn permanently. The sharp point of the earring's wire was used to pierce the earlobe (ouch!) then the jeweler twisted the wire to create a closed hoop. Contemporary gold French hooks were added so you can take them off once in a while. Alternately, we can help you restore them back to the "permanent" style.