London: Hollywood actress Zendaya has found herself at the center of an international cultural debate after wearing a pair of more than 2,000-year-old Iranian gold earrings during the London premiere of The Odyssey. While the rare jewelry attracted widespread admiration from fashion enthusiasts, archaeologists and cultural heritage experts questioned whether ancient artifacts of significant historical value should be used as luxury fashion accessories.
The controversy has extended beyond celebrity style, prompting discussions among historians, museum professionals and academics about the preservation, ownership and ethical use of archaeological treasures. Experts say the incident highlights the growing tension between showcasing historical objects to modern audiences and protecting them as irreplaceable pieces of human history.
Ancient Iranian Earrings Draw Worldwide Attention
According to media reports, the gold earrings worn by Zendaya are believed to be associated with the Ziwiye Hoard, a collection of ancient artifacts linked to early Iranian civilization and generally dated to the first millennium BCE.
The historic pieces were supplied by Beroun Gallery in London before being transformed into wearable jewelry by renowned jeweler Glenn Spiro, who incorporated diamonds into the original gold artifacts while preserving much of their ancient design.
Speaking about the project, Spiro said combining historical treasures with contemporary craftsmanship allows centuries-old works of art to remain relevant and appreciated by modern audiences. Supporters of the idea argue that presenting ancient artifacts in high-profile cultural events can introduce history to people who may never visit museums or archaeological exhibitions.
However, critics insist that historical significance should take precedence over fashion.
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Archaeologists Voice Concerns Over Cultural Heritage
The use of the ancient earrings immediately drew criticism from archaeologists and specialists in cultural heritage preservation.
Many experts argued that artifacts dating back thousands of years should be preserved under controlled conditions rather than worn at public events, regardless of how carefully they are handled.
Ancient history scholar Dr. Carla Ionescu said she never expected authentic archaeological objects to appear as red-carpet accessories. She noted that museums and archaeological sites typically prohibit visitors from touching such objects because of their historical importance and delicate condition.
According to her, turning archaeological treasures into luxury fashion items risks reducing them to decorative accessories instead of recognizing them as valuable pieces of human civilization.
Her comments were widely shared by historians and heritage professionals who believe archaeological artifacts should primarily serve educational and historical purposes.
Questions Remain About the Ziwiye Hoard
The debate has also renewed scholarly interest in the Ziwiye Hoard, one of the ancient Near East’s most discussed archaeological collections.
Although many researchers associate the artifacts with ancient Iran and the Kingdom of Mannae, historians have long debated the exact origin, excavation history and ownership of several objects connected to the collection.
Professor Peter Edwell, a historian and archaeologist at Macquarie University in Australia, pointed out that questions surrounding the provenance of some Ziwiye Hoard artifacts remain unresolved. He said the incomplete archaeological record makes it difficult to establish the full historical context of every object attributed to the collection.
For archaeologists, documented provenance is critical because it helps determine an artifact’s authenticity, historical significance and cultural ownership.
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Hollywood’s ‘Method Dressing’ Trend Continues to Grow
Zendaya’s appearance is part of a broader Hollywood trend known as “method dressing,” where actors wear outfits or accessories inspired by the themes, characters or historical periods of the films they are promoting.
The trend has become increasingly popular at major film premieres, with celebrities choosing fashion pieces that reflect the stories they represent on screen.
Earlier, actress Anne Hathaway attracted attention by wearing a luxury watch featuring an ancient Roman coin while promoting The Odyssey. Likewise, Margot Robbie made headlines after wearing the historic Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace, once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, during the premiere of Wuthering Heights.
While fashion critics often praise these creative choices for blending cinema, history and luxury design, cultural experts argue they can blur the line between celebrating history and commercializing priceless artifacts.
Gallery Says the Goal Was to Highlight Iranian Heritage
Beroun Gallery defended its decision to make the earrings available, saying the objective was to showcase the richness of ancient Iranian art and craftsmanship to a global audience.
According to the gallery, cultural objects displayed at internationally recognized events can encourage greater appreciation for civilizations that are often overshadowed by contemporary political narratives.
Supporters also argue that responsible public exposure can generate interest in archaeology, museums and historical research, particularly among younger generations who may encounter ancient history through popular culture rather than traditional educational settings.
A Larger Conversation About Protecting History
The debate surrounding Zendaya’s earrings has become about far more than celebrity fashion.
It has reopened broader discussions about how archaeological treasures should be preserved, displayed and interpreted in the modern world.
Many heritage experts believe artifacts of exceptional historical value belong in museums, research institutions or carefully managed collections where they can be protected for future generations and studied within their historical context.
Others argue that carefully curated public appearances can help introduce ancient civilizations to millions of people and inspire greater appreciation for cultural history, provided the artifacts are handled responsibly and legally.
As public discussion continues, the controversy highlights the challenges museums, collectors, historians and the fashion industry face in balancing cultural preservation with contemporary artistic expression. Whether the earrings should have remained behind museum glass or appeared on one of Hollywood’s biggest red carpets remains a matter of opinion, but the conversation they have sparked has brought renewed attention to the importance of protecting the world’s shared cultural heritage.
