Zendaya’s latest jewelry choice at The Odyssey event in London has caused massive backlash online.
The 29-year-old actress wore earrings made with ancient gold discs believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.
The historic pieces were set into a contemporary design with gold and diamonds by London jeweler Glenn Spiro.
While many people loved Zendaya’s look, others questioned whether or not real old items should be turned into luxury jewelry.
The creator of archaeology, Dr. Z also raised concerns about where the gold pieces came from.
“We know nothing else about their provenance, which means their journey from their homeland, which is probably Iran,” she said, adding, “They were acquired by his son in a way that is not disclosed.”
Dr. Z also criticized the idea of using real artifacts instead of replicas.
“These artifacts are likely looted from Iran, and they adorn the ears of an American actress from a country that just bombed Iran,” she argued.
However, she said that using real historical pieces can make cultural history “a commodity stolen for the elite.”
The doctor went on to describe the practice as “class signaling” and “fetishizing the past.”
The earrings are now part of Barron London’s private collection.
The controversy also shifted attention away from Zendaya’s fashion and started a larger discussion about who should own vintage items.
