Resplendent Spanish 18th c. Emerald Earrings

The leitmotif of the 18th century was the bow and drop. Infused in so many forms of Georgian jewelry, these shapes actually took hold in the late 17th century and flourished throughout the next until neoclassicism took hold in the latest years of the 1700s. Slower at adopting the most recent fashions, the Iberian Peninsula maintained many of their unmistakable styles well into the early 19th century.

This pair of superb and very scarce 18th century Spanish earrings is set with fine, vivid emeralds. Colombia (or other South American colonies) was certainly the origin as hungry explorers searched the New World seeking and returning with untold riches in gold, emeralds, topaz and other precious gems.

Their love of the combination of gold and emeralds was unsurpassed as evidenced by these hand-made pendeloque shaped earrings. Haute couture throughout much of the 1700s, this pair of high carat yellow gold antique earrings consists of three elements, two of hollow construction: a circular surmount supporting a central ribbon bow and floral spray motif suspended with a pear-shaped drop. Each section is encrusted with beautiful table cut deep green emeralds (all appear to be original) mounted in closed collets.

Yellow gold ear wires are hinged on the reverse at the top of the surmount and connect at the bottom with seating on the reverse at the base. For very similar examples see Mascetti and Triossi "Earrings from Antiquity to the Present" on page 54 or "Georgian Jewellery" by Dawes and Collings on page 109.

Measures 2 inches (5 cm) in length by 1-1/4 inches (3.2 cm) at the widest. The pair has a weight of 13.4 grams. In very good condition with expected wear to the gold and old reinforcements to the connection points; later date ear wires; minute chips to the stones. Hallmarks evident on the back. Light on the ear yet heavy on presence. Dates to circa 1780 and are Spanish in origin.