Pair of large silver-gilt earrings set with emeralds, rubies and pearls, with suspension hook, Morocco, 1850-1899.

Pair of large penannular silver-gilt earrings with a suspension hook attached by a short chain. Each earring consists of a hollow hoop, decorated all over with a repousse floral pattern, with a point at one end. A large pierced plaque is attached to the other end, filling about one-third of the entire length of the hoop, set with a central emerald surrounded by smaller emeralds, rubies and pearls. Where the plaque ends there is a rectangular box, set with two emeralds and one red stone, covering the join between the plaque and the hoop and with a loop on its upper edge. A short loop-in-loop chain hangs from this loop, with a triangular plaque at its other end, pierced in an imitation filigree design and set with emeralds. This plaque has a hook attached to its top, and four pendants, with red and green beads and gilt fittings, hanging from its lower edge.

Accessions register entry - 'Pair of earrings of gold and gilt metal each set with pearls, rubies, emeralds and crystals, and hung with glass beads. An open hoop, decorated with chasing, pointed at one end and bearing at the other a large openwork rosette set with precious stones and pearls. A smaller ornament of similar work separates the rosette from a knop also set with stones. An openwork triangular plaque, set with a crystal and emeralds and hung with red and green glass beads, is attached by a piece of brass chain and has a hook at the top for suspension. From Morocco; 19th century.
General remarks: "From Coast of Morocco", information from owner. Price £25 with no.1302.
Condition on receipt - 1301. Damaged. Some stones and one of the glass beads wanting. 1301A Damaged.
Miss G. Jockel, c/o Miss Lade, 3 Hartington Place, Burbage, near Buxton.'

These gold and gilt ornaments were worn on the sides of the head by women in Morocco. Each is formed of an open hoop, decorated with chasing, pointed at one end with a large openwork rosette set with precious stones and pearls at the other. The hoop is attached by a brass chain to an openwork triangular pendant, set with a crystal and emeralds and hung with red and green glass beads. The pendant was hooked onto a headdress with the hoop hanging from it at approximately ear level. The most decorative part of the hoop could be seen from the front. The V&A purchased these ornaments in 1903. The vendor reported that they came from ‘the coast of Morocco’.

1301&A-1903