A pair of antique, Victorian-era earrings, made in the Etruscan style, and modeled in 14k yellow gold. These elegant earrings were designed with shell-form tops, below which hang drops made to resemble Greek amphorae. A barbell joins these two elements, allowing the amphorae to swing, gently, with movement. The earwires are locking kidney wires, and they are hinged at the top. These earrings are finished with a high color bloom— an old, chemical process that pulls very bight, fine (22k-24k) gold to the surface of a 14k alloy. We love the figural elements here, the beautiful decorative wirework, and especially the little series of trefoils, done in granulation! An amphora would traditionally have been used to store liquids (water or wine)— they were made with a pointed bottom so that they would fit tightly together in storage, or when bound together with rope for travel by land or by sea.
Materials
14k gold
Age
c. 1870
Dimensions
Total drop measures approx 24 mm (about 1"); width is approx 11.25 mm at the earrings' widest points; amphorae are approx 7.5 mm in depth.
