These ear pendants are heavily detailed with many granulations, a technique in which small drops of gold are soldered onto jewelry pieces. At the top of these earrings are two tortoises, which are displayed so as to allow the viewer to observe their meticulously designed shells. The exquisite craftsmanship highlights upraised pattern of the shells, making these representations much more realistic. The emphasis on the tortoises’ shells convey strength and power, since they dominate th e earrings. These tortoises are very large in proportion to the rest of the pieces. Extending from the tails of the tortoises are cone-like structures mounted with patterns of granulation. These granulation patterns consist of a ring of small gold pieces followed by another ring made up of triangular forms. This pattern repeats until the bottom of the earring. On the bottom of these pieces are three spheres patterned with a ring of gold granulation, each mounted by another set of three spheres, the number three being a cross-cultural symbol of life. Finally the tips of the earrings are decorated with a  tail-like appendage, perhaps the end of the tortoise tails. These earrings suggest wealth and opulence based on the material used (gold), a highly expensive and symbolic metal. The intricate designs and the high quality of craftsmanship hint at the wealth of the wealth of the commissioner, while the elements of the design reflect the distinct values of the culture.

Earrings were a common po ssession among the wealthy in Indo-Parthian society. In these works, the tortoise motifs hold a number of meanings. Since the Indo-Parthian dynasty (1-47 CE) under the Gondophare Empire was a region of ethnic richness , especially in its capital Taxila, a number of values and symbols were adopted from various cultures, including India and Greece. Tortoises are cross-cultural symbols of endurance and strength. In Indian culture, the Tortoise Man was the creator of all creatures on earth; the tortoise was also an avata r of Vishnu, who churned the Sea of Milk helping the Devas search for the nectar of immortality before it could be acquired by the Asuras. In Hindu culture, tortoises also were the supporters of eight white elephants who held up the earth. In Greek culture, tortoises were a sign of immortality because of their long lives. Since the Indo-Parthian Empire was influenced greatly by these two cultures, any of these values could have been expressed by these specific ornaments. Not only were the tortoises symbolic in these cultures, gold itself was also a symbolic material, representing life, immortality, light, and truth.

Many different motifs and representations are depicted on ear ornaments found throughout South Asian cultures. Over centuries and cultures, earrings still convey similar values and have similar constructions. For example, the Islamic Pair of Earrings, made in Persia in the 11th century, and the Pair of Royal Earrings, made in India in the 1st century B.C.E are also cast of a gold material, conveying the same message of luxury and opulence. Distinctive design elements and motifs on these earrings, although different from these Parthian earrings, also represent the values of their culture of origin.