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

Earring

ca. 1820 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Gold, in a variety of treatments, became a dominant element in jewellery from the 1820s. It was used successfully in mesh necklaces and bracelets, gold chain and wire work, also as a foil to gemstones.

The technique of filigree with spirals and granules (cannetille and grainti) was revived in France then copied in England. Jewellers liked the economical use of gold and women appreciated the intricacy of the style.

Coloured golds were also popular. In gold alloy more copper gives a redder gold, while extra zinc or zinc and silver will result in a pale yellow gold


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Amethysts and gold
Brief description
Pair of earrings, amethysts set in gold filigree with cannetille decoration, probably made in England, about 1820
Physical description
Pair of earrings, amethysts set in gold filigree with cannetille decoration.
Credit line
Cory Bequest
Subject depicted
Summary
Gold, in a variety of treatments, became a dominant element in jewellery from the 1820s. It was used successfully in mesh necklaces and bracelets, gold chain and wire work, also as a foil to gemstones.

The technique of filigree with spirals and granules (cannetille and grainti) was revived in France then copied in England. Jewellers liked the economical use of gold and women appreciated the intricacy of the style.

Coloured golds were also popular. In gold alloy more copper gives a redder gold, while extra zinc or zinc and silver will result in a pale yellow gold
Collection
Accession number
M.137C&D-1951

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 10, 2005
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest