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.
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 |
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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 created | January 25, 2008 |
Record URL |
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