Zendaya’s 3,000-Year-Old Earrings Spark Debate During The Odyssey Press Tour

Zendaya’s The Odyssey fashion era has been serving look after look… But one accessory has everyone talking for a very different reason. The actor is facing online criticism after wearing a pair of earrings crafted from ancient Iranian gold medallions estimated to be around 3,000 years old during a London promotional event for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. The jewellery has reignited debates around cultural heritage, historical artefacts, and whether priceless pieces of history belong on the red carpet.

Why Are People Upset?

The earrings were created using authentic gold medallions dating back to the first millennium BCE, believed to originate from ancient Iran. They were later mounted into wearable jewellery by jeweller Glenn Spiro and sourced through Barron London. While many admired the craftsmanship, critics argued that archaeological artefacts with such historical significance should be preserved in museums or returned to their country of origin rather than being worn as fashion accessories.

The Bigger Conversation

The backlash quickly evolved into a wider discussion about ethics and cultural ownership. Historians, archaeologists, and social media users questioned whether transforming ancient artefacts into luxury jewellery risks commodifying cultural heritage. Others defended the styling, saying the pieces were preserved through non-invasive settings and showcased history to a global audience.

Zendaya Hasn’t Responded

As of now, Zendaya has not publicly addressed the controversy. The actor has otherwise received widespread praise for her The Odyssey press tour wardrobe, with many of her looks drawing inspiration from Greek mythology and her role as Athena in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic.

Know Buddys Take

Fashion has always borrowed from history. But when history is 3,000 years old, the conversation naturally shifts from style to responsibility. This isn’t just about earrings, it’s about where we draw the line between celebrating cultural heritage and turning it into a fashion statement.