Earring thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Earring

1800-1880 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Earrings were popular among all the Slav peoples. In Russia in the 16th and 17th centuries both men and women wore them, and some silversmiths worked exclusively as earring makers. By the 19th century they were only worn by women.

From the early 18th century the design of Russian earrings followed two paths. The Russian aristocracy increasingly wore earrings of international design, but the rural population kept to the old traditional patterns. It is very difficult to tell the difference between old earrings and traditional earrings in the old style.

These earrings may be 17th century, but it is more likely that they were made in traditional style in the 19th century. They were bought from the Russian Commissioner at the Fisheries Exhibition, London, 1883.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earrings
  • Earrings
Materials and techniques
Silver-plated copper cast to look like filigree
Brief description
Pair of silver-plated copper pendent earrings, with pendent leaves, Russia, 1800-1880.
Physical description
Pair of silver-plated copper earrings. Each consists of a circular wire with a triangular openwork pendant cast to look like filigree. There are five leaf-shaped pendants hanging from its lower edge.
Dimensions
  • Length: 49mm
  • Width: 29mm
  • Depth: 4mm
Summary
Earrings were popular among all the Slav peoples. In Russia in the 16th and 17th centuries both men and women wore them, and some silversmiths worked exclusively as earring makers. By the 19th century they were only worn by women.

From the early 18th century the design of Russian earrings followed two paths. The Russian aristocracy increasingly wore earrings of international design, but the rural population kept to the old traditional patterns. It is very difficult to tell the difference between old earrings and traditional earrings in the old style.

These earrings may be 17th century, but it is more likely that they were made in traditional style in the 19th century. They were bought from the Russian Commissioner at the Fisheries Exhibition, London, 1883.
Collection
Accession number
529&A-1883

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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