Zendaya’s recent jewelry choice at The Odyssey event in London caused a massive reaction online.
The 29-year-old actress wore earrings made from ancient gold records dating back between 2,000 and 3,000 years.
The historic pieces have been placed in a modern design with gold and diamonds by London jeweler Glenn Spiro.
While many people loved Zendaya’s look, others questioned whether or not real antique items should be transformed into luxury jewelry.
Archeology creator Dr Z also raised concerns about the provenance of the gold coins.
“We don’t know anything else about their provenance, that is, their journey from their country of origin, which is probably Iran,” she said, adding: “They were acquired by his son through undisclosed means.”
Dr. Z also criticized the idea of using real objects rather than copies.
“These items were probably looted from Iran, and they are adorning the ears of an American actress from a country that just bombed Iran,” she argued.
She said, however, that using authentic historical pieces could turn cultural history into “a stolen commodity for the elite.”
The Dr went on to describe the practice as a “class signal” and a “fetishization of the past”.
The earrings are now part of Barron London’s private collection.
Additionally, the controversy took the focus away from Zendaya’s fashion and started a larger discussion about who should own antique items.
