In ancient Rome, shaking hands was a symbol of friendship and loyalty, and clasped hands were even featured on Roman coins. The handshake may have originated as a way to communicate peacefulness, as extending an empty hand showed that one was not holding a weapon. It may also have originated as a symbolic gesture of mutual commitment to an oath or promise, as two hands clasping each other represents the sealing of a bond. In Rome, the handshake was more of a forearm grab. The shaking of hands as a greeting is more of a modern thing.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests)
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good - seems likely these were converted into earrings from cufflinks or collar studs
SIZE: 1" length measured from the top of the ear wire