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. 1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The granulation, or fine surface texture of minute grains of gold on these earrings, was copied from the Etruscan technique. Although the precise method was not mastered by 19th century goldsmiths a similar effect was achieved.
The archaeological discoveries of the 19th century led to a greater awareness and understanding of ancient jewellery. For the first time these intricate gold pieces were collected, studied and published, and both the originals and the published illustrations of them were a rich new source for designers of jewellery. The resulting 'archaeological-style' jewellery was fashionable from around 1860 until at least the 1880s.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Gold with granulation and filigree work
Brief description
Earrings with a winged putto riding a dove
. Italy, about 1870.
Gold with granulation and filigree
Physical description
Pair of earrings with a winged putto riding a dove, gold with granulation and filigree work.
Dimensions
  • Height: 35mm
  • Width: 24mm
  • Depth: 11mm
Style
Credit line
Given by Gerald Harris in memory of his wife Sylvia (1920-83)
Object history
Given by Gerald Harris in memory of his wife Sylvia (1920-1983).
Subjects depicted
Summary
The granulation, or fine surface texture of minute grains of gold on these earrings, was copied from the Etruscan technique. Although the precise method was not mastered by 19th century goldsmiths a similar effect was achieved.
The archaeological discoveries of the 19th century led to a greater awareness and understanding of ancient jewellery. For the first time these intricate gold pieces were collected, studied and published, and both the originals and the published illustrations of them were a rich new source for designers of jewellery. The resulting 'archaeological-style' jewellery was fashionable from around 1860 until at least the 1880s.
Collection
Accession number
M.7&A-1986

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Record createdAugust 31, 2005
Record URL
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