Black Glass 18th C. Earrings

Throughout many centuries of jewelry, gemstones were placed into settings which closed off the back. Around 1800 the first gems were set à jour or open backed. Prior to that time, glass and other large pastes were occasionally set with that style of open back. Here is a great example of this technique. Later 18th century in date, these wonderful glossy glass earrings, midnight black in color, are chic and modern in feel. The glass stones are set into crimped bezels of gilt silver. (See item 11010 for matching pendant and photos of the set).

Condition: Fronts are excellent with little of note. Backs are good with later modern 14k yellow gold ear wires; the gilding on the reverse of the top circular element is now worn or has been removed. Attachment points on the top elements have a bit of silver solder reinforcement on the bottom loops.

Measurements: 2 inches (5 cm) in total length. Top circle measures more than 3/4 of an inch (2 cm) in diameter. This pair of antique earrings has a weight of 13.4 grams.

Date: Circa 1770.