Earring thumbnail 1
Earring thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Earring

1860-70 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The earrings were perhaps made by Crouzet, who worked for all the major Parisian goldsmiths, producing jewellery of fine quality and original design. He is known to have produced similar pieces in the Moroccan taste. The earrings may also have been inspired by the " moresque" work of the important Parisian goldsmith Alphonse Fouquet. The jewels may have been suitable for wear during mourning.

By the 1860s, as European commercial jewellery lost its appeal in artistic circles, jewellery from the Middle East and India became an important influence. In London, the Art Journal encouraged an appreciation of jewellery from countries such as Syria and Palestine. In Paris, jewellery made in the Moroccan style reflected the French engagement with North Africa.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Openwork gold, enamelled in black set with diamonds and pearls, with pearl and diamond pendants
Brief description
Gold earring, enamelled in black and set with diamonds and pearls, about 1870
Physical description
Gold, enamelled in black and set with rose and brilliant-cut diamonds and pearls, with pearl and diamond pendants in the Moroccan manner of Crouzet
Dimensions
  • Length: 3.7cm
  • Width: 2.2cm
  • Depth: 1.5cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Paris warranty mark for 1847 onwards.
Credit line
Cory Bequest
Production
In the Moroccan manner of Crouzet or inspired by the "moresque"work of Alphonse Fouquet
Subject depicted
Summary
The earrings were perhaps made by Crouzet, who worked for all the major Parisian goldsmiths, producing jewellery of fine quality and original design. He is known to have produced similar pieces in the Moroccan taste. The earrings may also have been inspired by the " moresque" work of the important Parisian goldsmith Alphonse Fouquet. The jewels may have been suitable for wear during mourning.

By the 1860s, as European commercial jewellery lost its appeal in artistic circles, jewellery from the Middle East and India became an important influence. In London, the Art Journal encouraged an appreciation of jewellery from countries such as Syria and Palestine. In Paris, jewellery made in the Moroccan style reflected the French engagement with North Africa.
Bibliographic reference
Shirley Bury, Jewellery 1789-1910, The International Era, Vol.II. p.687 colour plate 192
Collection
Accession number
M.120A&B-1951

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2006
Record URL
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