GOLD EARRINGS FROM TARANTO These gold earrings date back to Taranto, Greece, during the 4th century B.C., which brings to the forefront once again that which I have said many times. When the ancients worked on artistic creations, they had us modern folks beat by miles. Why is it that they who lived way back then were able to muster up the patience and talent to make something of a caliber we could never be bothered to undertake today? I suspect that the jewelry artisans of today live under an umbrella that is emblazoned with their motto, which states: "For Who And For What And Frankly I Don't Give A Rat's Ass." As long as you give them money. In my years in the industry, I have only met one person whose talent and creativity were as compelling as that of the jewelers of yesteryear. I suspect that in his previous life, or in his sleep, this fellow was personally tutored by the ancients. Alas, he did not fare all that well in his modern times.