Earring thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Earring

ca. 1825 (made), 1819-1838 (marked)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Gold, in a variety of treatments, became a dominant element in jewellery from the 1820s. It was used successfully in mesh necklaces and bracelets, gold chain and wire work, also as a foil to gemstones.

The technique of filigree with spirals and granules (cannetille and grainti) was revived in France then copied in England. Jewellers liked the economical use of gold and women appreciated the intricacy of the style.

Coloured golds were also popular. In gold alloy more copper gives a redder gold, while extra zinc or zinc and silver will result in a pale yellow gold


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Enamelled gold with chrysoprases
Brief description
Pair of earrings, gold mesh and filigree, with enamelled decoration, set with chrysoprases, France, about 1825
Physical description
Necklace, gold mesh and filigree, with enamelled decoration, set with chrysoprases. Paris warranty marks for 1819-38.
Marks and inscriptions
Mark on loop of both earrrings (Paris warranty marks for 1819-38.)
Credit line
Given by Dame Joan Evans
Production
Paris warranty marks for 1819-38.
Subject depicted
Summary
Gold, in a variety of treatments, became a dominant element in jewellery from the 1820s. It was used successfully in mesh necklaces and bracelets, gold chain and wire work, also as a foil to gemstones.

The technique of filigree with spirals and granules (cannetille and grainti) was revived in France then copied in England. Jewellers liked the economical use of gold and women appreciated the intricacy of the style.

Coloured golds were also popular. In gold alloy more copper gives a redder gold, while extra zinc or zinc and silver will result in a pale yellow gold
Collection
Accession number
M.32A&B-1962

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Record createdAugust 10, 2005
Record URL
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