Earring thumbnail 1

Earring

1750-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Traditional jewellery often followed out-dated aristocratic examples. Many Spanish traditional earrings were based on 17th and 18th century patterns, but over time local differences became fixed, and patterns became characteristic of a particular place.

The girandole shape of this earring is 18th century in origin, but it is set with pieces of mirrored glass. This unusual technique was common in Spanish traditional jewellery in the 19th century. Earrings like this would probably have been worn with a matching pendant.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver with gilt back, gold appliques, and mirrored glass pastes
Brief description
Silver girandole earring set with mirror glass pastes, Spain, 18th to 19th century.
Physical description
Girandole earring, with stylised bow hanging from a central drop, with three more drops hanging from the bow. All pieces set with faceted mirrored glass pastes, moulded to imitate point-cut diamonds. Gold decoration on the straps of the bow. On the back, a loop above the wire, to relieve the strain on the ear lobe.
Dimensions
  • Length: 6.6cm
  • Width: 4.0cm
  • Depth: 2.3cm
Summary
Traditional jewellery often followed out-dated aristocratic examples. Many Spanish traditional earrings were based on 17th and 18th century patterns, but over time local differences became fixed, and patterns became characteristic of a particular place.

The girandole shape of this earring is 18th century in origin, but it is set with pieces of mirrored glass. This unusual technique was common in Spanish traditional jewellery in the 19th century. Earrings like this would probably have been worn with a matching pendant.
Collection
Accession number
334-1864

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Record createdJanuary 25, 2008
Record URL
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