Earring thumbnail 1
Earring thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Earring

1865-1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These earrings, with a circular wire and hinged pendants with coral-coloured beads, were described as Greek when they were acquired by the museum, but are characteristic of traditional earrings throughout the Balkans. Balkan earrings are often linked by a chain. Sometimes this chain was strung over the head, to support the earrings, or round the back of the head, but the chain linking these earrings probably hung under the chin. The coin-shaped pendants helped to protect the wearer from evil influences, as well as demonstrating her wealth.

They were bought for 18 shillings (the pair) at the International Exhibition, London, 1872.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earrings
  • Earrings
Materials and techniques
Silver set with turquoises, with coral beads and coin pendants
Brief description
Pair of silver earrings set with turquoise, with coral pendants, linked by a chain with pendent coins, Greece, 1865-1870
Physical description
Pair of silver pendent earrings linked by a chain. Each earring has a circular wire, with a short decorative strip along the front. The pendant is hinged to the wire, and consists of two hollow square segments, each set with a turquoise on the front. There is a silver pendent point attached to each side of the top segment, and three similar points, alternating with two short strips of coral beads, hanging from the base of the lower segment. The two earrings are linked together by a length of figure-of-eight chain which is attached to a loop at the end of the decorative strip on each earring. There are four discs looking like medieval Christian coins hanging from the chain, and three lozenges of sheet silver, one of which is stamped with the head of a lion.
Dimensions
  • Chain length: 330mm
  • Earrings height: 72mm
  • Depth: 7mm
Summary
These earrings, with a circular wire and hinged pendants with coral-coloured beads, were described as Greek when they were acquired by the museum, but are characteristic of traditional earrings throughout the Balkans. Balkan earrings are often linked by a chain. Sometimes this chain was strung over the head, to support the earrings, or round the back of the head, but the chain linking these earrings probably hung under the chin. The coin-shaped pendants helped to protect the wearer from evil influences, as well as demonstrating her wealth.

They were bought for 18 shillings (the pair) at the International Exhibition, London, 1872.
Collection
Accession number
1476&A-1873

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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